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Cincinnati Ballet ushers in a new era under Artistic Director Cervilio Miguel Amador
When the curtain rises on Cincinnati Ballet's 2025–26 season this September, it will mark the start of a new performance year and signify the beginning of a new chapter in the company's storied history.
In December 2024, the Ballet's Board of Trustees named Cervilio Miguel Amador as its new Artistic Director, following his long-standing tenure as a Principal Dancer, Rehearsal Director, and Interim Artistic Director. A beloved member of the Cincinnati arts community for more than two decades, Amador brings a personal and global perspective to the role, having danced with the National Ballet of Cuba before joining Cincinnati Ballet in 2004.
'This company has shaped my career and my life,' Amador said. 'As the Katherine and Richard Rosenthal Artistic Director, my goal is to honor our traditions while pushing the art form forward in ways that connect with the broader community.'
That vision is reflected in the bold programming of the 2025–26 season.
A Season of Artistic Range
The season opens with the Kaplan New Works Series (Sept. 12–20, 2025), featuring four world premieres by an international roster of choreographers, including Caroline Dahm, Yoshihisa Arai, Andonis Foniadakis, and Andrea Giselle Schermoly. Presented in the intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater at the Aronoff Center, the series sets a progressive tone for the year.
In November, Amador and the company present the regional premiere of The Great Gatsby (Nov. 7–15, 2025), choreographed by Septime Webre. With a live jazz score, cinematic staging, and themes of ambition and excess, the ballet offers a modern retelling of Fitzgerald's classic novel, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
The holidays wouldn't be complete without The Nutcracker, returning to Music Hall (Dec. 18–28, 2025) with live orchestral accompaniment and the dazzling journey of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.
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The Nutcracker (Dec. 18–28, 2025)
The winter brings romance and drama with a full-length production of Swan Lake (Feb. 13–21, 2026), featuring choreography by Kirk Peterson, after Petipa and Ivanov, and performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
In a nod to America's 250th anniversary, April features Director's Vision: Liberty in Motion (April 10–12, 2026), a triple bill showcasing Balanchine's Serenade, Justin Peck's The Times Are Racing, and Claudia Schreier's First Impulse.
Rounding out the season is the Family Series: Pinocchio (April 16–19, 2026), a one-hour narrated ballet performed by CB2 dancers and students from the Otto M. Budig Academy. Pre-show lobby activities make it an ideal introduction to the arts for young audiences.
'The Cincinnati Ballet is a company with national impact and deep local roots,' said Debbie Brant, President and CEO of Cincinnati Ballet. 'With Cervi's leadership and a bold season ahead, we're inviting the entire community to join us at a performance this season.'
Cincinnati Ballet remains committed to expanding access through education programs, academy training, and community engagement, while also attracting national attention for its world-class talent and productions.
Tickets and Subscription Info
Season subscriptions are on sale now at with customizable packages available. Subscribers receive up to 25% savings over single tickets, free exchanges, early access to special events, and other perks.
Single tickets are now on sale, and popular performances including The Great Gatsby, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake are expected to sell quickly.
