Pittsburgh Dance Company Marks Over 200 Premieres in 15 Years.
Pittsburgh’s Texture Contemporary Ballet announces its 15th anniversary season, featuring four programs of predominantly new works – three of which include interactive Children’s Performances. Opening in July, the season embodies Texture’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of ballet by developing original works that give dancers a voice in the creative process.
“For the past 15 years, Texture has been dedicated to pushing the boundaries of ballet right here in Pittsburgh. While many dance companies rely on existing repertoire, we’ve premiered an astounding 208 new works by 47 different choreographers, more than 30 of whom are women. Our commitment to collaboration in the studio, where dancers are truly empowered to take artistic risks, is what allows us to span such a bold range of movement and emotion in every production.” said Pittsburgh native Alan Obuzor, Texture’s artistic and executive director.
While many dance companies base their seasons on existing repertoire, Texture primarily presents premieres that it creates collectively in the studio or commissions from guest choreographers.
“Audience members tell me they are continually astonished by the bold range of movement and emotion we span in a single production, and I believe it’s made possible by the collaboration we embrace in the studio. Over our 15 years as a company, I am most proud of creating a home where dancers are valued as individuals and empowered to take artistic risks.”
Running from July 2025 to March 2026, the company’s 2025-2026 Season will feature three mixed repertory productions at the North Side’s New Hazlett Theater and the Texture Choreography Project, which culminates in a performance at the Greer Cabaret Theater in the Cultural District. The application process for the choreography project opens on June 1st for artists interested in presenting their own work or choreographing new work on Texture’s dancers.
Productions at the New Hazlett Theater will feature premieres by Obuzor and the company’s new resident choreographer, Madeline Kendall Schreiber, who both double as resident dancers. Audiences also can look forward to returning favorites, evocative storytelling, and works by guest choreographers.
Children take the stage during the Children’s Performance of Rediscover, 2023. (Image by Rachel Nicole Harman)
Each production at the New Hazlett Theatre will feature an interactive Children’s Performance, which Pittsburgh Magazine calls one of the “Best Places to Introduce Children to the Performing Arts.” These accessible, one-hour experiences invite children and their families to view excerpts from the main performance, dance onstage with the artists, and enjoy photo opportunities after the show.
Obuzor–a former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dancer and one of Dance Magazine’s 2013 “25 to Watch”—founded Texture in 2011. The company is now home to nine classically trained resident dancers and to Texture Ballet School, which Obuzor launched in 2019 to support young artists with training, mentorship, and performance opportunities.
With its unique fusion of classical ballet and contemporary dance, Texture is “known across the region—and beyond—for taking classical ballet and tilting it on its axis in innovative ways” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Beyond Pittsburgh, touring performances in the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out series, at Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City, and others have made Texture an emerging name on the national stage.
25-26 Season Lineup
Infinite Abundance | July 11-13, 2025 • New Hazlett Theater | Children’s Performance: July 12th at 4 p.m.
- Texture’s season opener celebrates 15 years with a rich collection of world premieres and returning favorites.
In This Moment | September 19-21, 2025 • New Hazlett Theater | Children’s Performance: September 20th at 4 p.m.
- The season’s second production explores the ephemeral and immediate nature of dance.
Texture Choreography Project | November 14-15, 2025 | Greer Cabaret Theater
- The project’s culminating performance showcases new works by emerging choreographers.
Eternal Beauty | March 20-22, 2026 | New Hazlett Theater | Children’s Performance: 4 p.m. March 21st, 2026
- The season finale reflects the enduring emotional resonance of dance, finding inspiration in Texture’s rich past and promising future.
About the Artists
Resident Choreographers: Alan Obuzor, Madeline Kendall Schreiber
Resident Dancers: Madison Jayne Cole, Kinsey Love, Katie Miller, Alan Obuzor, Madeline Kendall Schreiber, Jillian Sutula, and Katrina May Thomas
Tickets
Individual & Season Tickets are available at: https://www.textureballet.org/2025-2026-season.html
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Season Listings
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