Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
See how Alabama Ballet is uplifting the local arts scene
Reading time: 8 minutes
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It’s no secret that dancers and those working behind the scenes are always putting in the hours.
Sure, Alabama Ballet is known for its stunning performances, but off the stage, they play a big role in shaping Birmingham’s arts scene in a meaningful way.
Keep reading to learn how they’re making a difference, and make plans to attend an upcoming performance!
Alabama Ballet: Over 40 years of dance
Alabama Ballet got its start back in 1981, growing from Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet and Ballet Alabama.
With a repertoire ranging from beloved classics to innovative contemporary works, it’s become the state’s go-to professional ballet company, dedicated to changing lives through dance.
Alabama Ballet has been performing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® for 22 years straight, due to their long-standing partnership with ©The George Balanchine Trust.
They are one of only eight companies worldwide officially authorized to perform George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® exactly as Balanchine originally choreographed it.
- Fun Fact: Alabama Ballet is home to 35 talented dancers representing communities across the United States and around the world!
“I’m continually inspired by the profound impact ballet has on people’s lives. Whether it’s a student finding their passion, a dancer growing artistically or an audience member moved to tears. Ballet builds confidence, community and connection. Watching that impact unfold year after year is a profound privilege and a daily reminder of why we do what we do.”
Christopher Stuart, Artistic Director at Alabama Ballet
Ballet without barriers: Alabama Ballet’s many outreach programs
Alabama Ballet believes everyone should have the chance to experience the magic of dance—no matter their financial situation. Their education and outreach programs open the door to the arts for students, teachers and families across the community.
“For me, true success is creating exceptional art, maintaining a strong and stable foundation and making our community a better place for everyone.”
Jenny Mann, Executive Director at Alabama Ballet
Alabama Ballet Educational Programs include:
- CityDance: Bringing ballet and jazz education into Birmingham City schools, taught by Alabama Ballet company members and apprentices. Each spring, students perform for family and friends. CityDance is free to schools and has been part of Alabama Ballet’s education initiative for 30 years.
- Free Educational Matinees: Each season, around 15,000 children from nearly 100 schools across 17 counties enjoy free matinee performances. These matinees are also extended to underserved groups, including retirement communities and organizations supporting people with disabilities and childhood illnesses, such as United Ability, ARC of Central Alabama, Turning Points and Camp Smile-A-Mile.
- Dance Discovery Workshops: Interactive workshops for 50–100 students held in libraries and community centers statewide, offering a hands-on dance experience in an assembly-style setting.
- Second Tuesday Series: Free, informal performances and studio chats with artistic staff and dancers, hosted at the Alabama Ballet studios and open to the public.
“Dance education not only exposes children to the arts, but it also impacts the development of a child, growing them emotionally, physically and cognitively—as well as developing social skills and self-esteem. Our supporters play an integral role in furthering our mission, creating and presenting new and innovative works. They help make ballet accessible to everyone through education programs and outreach initiatives.”
Chloe Bowen, PR & Marketing Manager at Alabama Ballet
Alabama Ballet School: Inspiring students of all ages + backgrounds
Alabama Ballet School shares and teaches the joy of ballet in a welcoming, inclusive space.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been dancing for years, their goal is to support every student and help them grow not just in technique, but in creativity and confidence. With training and encouragement, the school strives to help each student shine on and off the stage.
“For nearly 45 years, Alabama Ballet has been more than a professional company—we’re a welcoming space for all. Whether you’re seeing a performance, taking a class, volunteering or enrolling your child, our doors are open. Our training program serves ages three to adult, because it’s never too early or too late to discover the joy of dance. We’re more than a stage—we’re a family and a cultural heartbeat for Birmingham and beyond.”
Christopher Stuart, Artistic Director at Alabama Ballet
To register for upcoming dance semesters, camps and events, check out their sign up page.
The Day Program at Alabama Ballet: First conservatory program of its kind in Alabama
Conservatory programs are different than your average school—they provide intensive, specialized arts training.
If you’re an advanced dancer looking to take your skills to the next level, Alabama Ballet offers top-notch training in a supportive environment that helps you grow both technically and artistically with The Day Program.
Alabama Ballet strives to connect through community collaborations
Collaboration is at the heart of what Alabama Ballet does. They bring dance to communities across the state, from Rainsville to Selma to Anniston. Alongside educational programs and live shows, they team up with amazing partners like:
- Alabama Dance Council
- Alabama Symphony Orchestra
- Birmingham City Schools
- Local public libraries
- Birmingham Museum of Art
- Vulcan Park and Museum
They are also proud to be with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for their whole season.
“We will be performing with the ASO for all main-stage productions this season, and for Unbound, we will have both the ASO and live vocalists joining us. This is the first season in recent history in which we’ve been able to partner with the ASO for every major production. The combination of ballet and live symphony is something truly special—a gift that Birmingham is lucky to have.”
Chloe Bowen, PR & Marketing Manager at Alabama Ballet
This past summer, Alabama Ballet held their first “Family Day” event—a free celebration of creativity, connection, activities, refreshments and more. They plan on bringing it back next summer, so be sure to keep an eye on Alabama Ballet’s Website for updates!
Support the Arts: Help keep Alabama Ballet dancing
Did you know the dancers at Alabama Ballet train and rehearse in the studio from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM every day? It’s a full-time commitment, just like any other job.
Each season, Alabama Ballet supplies pointe shoes for its female dancers. Professional dancers can go through two pairs a week, with each pair costing between $120 and $150. Over the course of a year, that’s nearly $75,000 spent on pointe shoes alone.
“The pointe shoe is the most essential piece of equipment used by the dancers of Alabama Ballet. Custom made by hand, pointe shoes are elegantly engineered to enable our dancers to perform the beautiful ballets you enjoy.”
Alabama Ballet’s Website
If you’d like to support Alabama Ballet and help keep the dancers on their toes, consider becoming a member of the Pointe Shoe Society. Each donation comes with a special thank you from Alabama Ballet and you will be recognized as a member of their donor community in season programs.
Your support helps Alabama Ballet, a non-profit arts organization, continue to strengthen the artistic fabric of Birmingham. If you’d like to donate another way, check out Alabama Ballet’s Donation Page.
Don’t miss these upcoming performances at Alabama Ballet
Alabama Ballet’s 2025–2026 season will showcase the hard work and talent of their dancers, with stunning performances including:
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
- When: December 13-14, with Alabama Symphony Orchestra + December 19-23
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall
- At Home: Mixtape
- When: January 30—February 8
- Where: Alabama Ballet Center for Dance
- Sleeping Beauty, Accompanied by Alabama Symphony Orchestra
- When: March 13-15
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall
- Unbound: George Balanchine’s Serenade + Paul Vasterling’s Carmina Burana, accompanied by Alabama Symphony Orchestra + live vocalists
- When: May 8-10
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall
“Supporting Alabama Ballet means experiencing world-class performance while helping preserve and grow a vital part of our state’s cultural life.”
Jenny Mann, Executive Director at Alabama Ballet
All tickets are on sale now—don’t miss these unforgettable performances that entertain, inspire and bring our artistic community closer together.
