By JESSICA NEU

Although Taylor Swift declared that August “slips away like a bottle of wine,” the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater proved that there is still much enjoyment to be had before the sun sets on another summer season. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater principal dancers and troupe members took the stage at Hartwood Acres Sunday night for their annual end-of-summer showcase entitled Ballet Under the Stars. Folding chairs and blankets adorned the lawn as audience members of all ages gathered for this beautiful tradition.

As dozens of young children spun around to emulate the dancers on stage, the PBT performed a nonstop 11-piece program that featured beloved classic performances as well as excerpts from various PBT productions. Program highlights included “Spina,” which featured dynamic partner work as the duet pair moved in unison with flowing patterns and pristine lifts. After “Spina,” the evening’s MC cheekily asked the audience if they had seen the Mad Hatter from the fan favorite Alice in Wonderland. The iconic character emerged from the audience, interacting with unsuspecting members as he made his way to the stage, so he was not late for his performance. The fun bit of mischief was followed by an announcement that this year the PBT will unveil an all-new rendition of The Nutcracker. The production will feature new sets, costumes, and storylines told through the classic Tchaikovsky score. Audiences got a first glimpse of the new costume design as select pieces were on display next to the stage.

Dancers stunned in two different performances from The Nutcracker – one featuring various excerpts from the show and another, “The Nutcracker (2027) Adagio,” was a delightful preview of the stunning new production making its way to the PBT mainstage for their upcoming 2027 season.

Audience members were also treated to a preview of Alice in Wonderland, which featured several of the cherished classic characters beautifully synchronized in their playful storytelling.

The stunning Giselle Peasant Pas De Huit and Spring Mix World Premiere Excerpts brought as many as eight dancers on the stage at a time, filling the space with grace and poise. Elegant tutus captured the image of a quintessential ballerina as young children attempted to emulate each arabesque, pirouette, and perfect turnout. Ballet Under the Stars proves to be a crowd-pleasing and accessible tradition.

Many thanks to the PBT for offering this show free of charge each year so people of all ages can witness the masterful artistry of this renowned company. From partner work to lifts, costumes, and music selections, the evening is an inspiring glimpse into the world of ballet. To show their gratitude (and personalities), the company returned to the stage for a finale that invited some audience participation, as the crowd could follow along with a few eight-count up-tempo jazz routines to a popular Rihanna song.

As everyone gathered their chairs and returned to their cars, the company said a final farewell with an exciting Salsa number, proving that summer is still very hot.

PBT’s 2025 /26 Season

• The Nutcracker  | Benedum Center | December 4–27, 2026
• Alice in Wonderland | Benedum Center | February 12 – 21, 2027
• Spring Mix: World Premieres  | August Wilson African American Cultural Center | April 9 – 11, 2027
• The Sleeping Beauty with the PBT Orchestra  | Benedum Center | May 7 – 9, 2027

Details at:  www.pbt.org

Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews

Tags: Ballet Under the Stars, Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater