Ballet Memphis Turns 40: Your Guide to the Anniversary Season
Forty years in, Ballet Memphis is still taking its cues from the city around it.
Forty years in, Ballet Memphis is still taking its cues from the city around it.
Memphis has no shortage of underrated treasures, and world-class ballet is high on the list. Leading the way is Ballet Memphis, founded in 1986 and now celebrating its 40th season with four mainstage productions. The lineup runs from a tribute to Memphis music this week to Peter Pan taking flight at the Orpheum in the spring. Here's what's coming and how to catch it.
Kicking it off: Memphis Sounds, Oct. 16–18
Kicking it off: Memphis Sounds, Oct. 16–18
The season opens at Playhouse on the Square with Memphis Sounds, a program built around the music and culture of Memphis. All three works were originally created for Ballet Memphis.
- In Dreams by Trey McIntyre. Set to the music of Roy Orbison, this acclaimed piece was first made for Ballet Memphis nearly 20 years ago and has toured as far as the Kennedy Center.
- Unapologetic by Steven McMahon. The artistic director's newly revisited work features live performances by artists from Memphis-based record label UNAPOLOGETIC.
- A world premiere from choreographer Yusha-Marie Sorzano, set to the music of Otis Redding.
Showtimes are this Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets run $29–$65.
Dinner and a ballet, Memphis style
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Ballet Memphis is teaming up with Josh Conley and Chef Cole Jeanes' Etowah Collective for a one-night-only pairing of dance and food. Expect cocktails, a four-course dinner and curated wine pairings at Ballet Memphis' Midtown studios.
You pick the order:
- Show first: catch the 2 p.m. matinee, then head to dinner.
- Dinner first: dine early, then see the 7:30 p.m. performance at Playhouse on the Square.
What's to come in Season 40
The Nutcracker | Dec. 12–13 & 18–20, Orpheum Theatre
The holiday tradition Ballet Memphis has staged every year since 1987 returns with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra playing live and a cast of more than 100 professional dancers and local students. Tickets: $32–$92.
Winter Mix: Celebration | Feb. 19–21, Playhouse on the Square
The company's mixed-repertoire program leans into joy, with three works including two world premieres and choreography by Norbert De La Cruz, Matthew Neenan and Julie Niekrasz. Tickets: $29–$65.
Peter Pan | April 9–11 & 17–18, Orpheum Theatre
Steven McMahon's Peter Pan is back, and yes, Peter, Wendy, John and Michael really fly. Sets are by Tony winner Beowulf Boritt, with costumes by Anne Armit and flying by ZFX Flying Effects. Tickets: $42–$87.
Get a season subscription or purchase show tickets individually.
40 years of Memphis on stage
For Ballet Memphis, Memphis Sounds looks both back and forward. It celebrates four decades of drawing inspiration from this city, from our music and artists to the new creative collaborations happening here right now.
Go: Single tickets start at $29, and four-show subscriptions start at $126 (up to 20% off single-ticket prices). Ballet Memphis asks fans to buy only through balletmemphis.org or Patron Services at 901-214-2400, since third-party resale sites often mark tickets up or sell invalid ones. Book the Etowah dinner experience here.
Dancing beyond the stage
Ballet Memphis isn't only something to watch. The Ballet Memphis School teaches students from age 3 up, starting with Discover Dance, a play-based intro to movement, and building through classical ballet levels to Youth Ballet Memphis for serious young dancers. There are also programs like Boys at Ballet Memphis and Inclusive Dance, plus adult classes for grown-ups who want in. Limited scholarships are available for students through age 18, and you'll even see local kids on the Orpheum stage in The Nutcracker. Learn more at balletmemphis.org/school.
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