Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
See how Alabama Ballet inspires young dancers + new season sneak peek
Reading time: 6 minutes
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From beloved classics to innovative original works, Alabama Ballet has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. But none of it would be possible without the dedicated and passionate dancers who put in countless hours of professional training to bring each performance to life.
Alabama Ballet is committed to empowering dancers of all ages and genders, no matter how much experience they have.
Keep reading to meet the dancers behind the magic, and discover what’s in store for the 2026–2027 season!
Meet Jude + Joey, taking the stage in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Alabama Ballet has been performing George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® for over 20 years straight, thanks to their long-standing partnership with The George Balanchine Trust. They are one of only seven companies worldwide officially authorized to carry out the performance exactly as Balanchine originally choreographed it.
However, it’s not only professionals who perform in this legendary ballet. We got to meet some of Alabama Ballet’s youngest dancers who are appearing in this holiday classic for the first time.
At age four, Jude saw a production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® and was inspired by the role of Fritz, the younger brother to the heroine Marie. After years of hard work, Jude will be a Party Boy and a Sentry for Alabama Ballet in December.
His favorite part of preparing for the role, and dancing overall, is how he can express his emotions through movement.
“Ballet makes me happy because I get to move my body different ways to show a lot of feelings. It’s not like running, or some sports where you focus on one thing. In ballet you’re expressing emotions wildly in each move, especially because there’s no talking or singing.”
Jude, Alabama Ballet student
Jude’s favorite way he’s improved as a dancer at Alabama Ballet is by confidently asking questions when he makes mistakes during rehearsal, even if no one notices.
Joey, who is even younger than Jude, also understands the importance of asking questions to improve his skills. This season, he’ll put those skills to work as a baby mouse in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, while also serving as an understudy for the drum-playing bunny.
One day, he hopes to take the stage as the Nutcracker Prince.
“One of my favorite things about ballet is how each step and move is put together into one big show for people to enjoy.”
Joey, Alabama Ballet student
Be sure to see Jude and Joey in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® on December 12-22, 2026 at the BJCC Concert Hall.
Interested in learning ballet? Alabama Ballet School provides a welcoming environment for young students of all skill levels.
The importance of men in ballet
Ballet is more inclusive and physically demanding than many realize. It requires incredible strength and endurance, qualities that even famous athletes want to improve.
For Juan Castellanos, a 26-year-old professional dancer with Alabama Ballet, seeing professional athletes use ballet as a training method was pivotal. Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame wide receiver Lynn Swann was an early inspiration.
“To witness an athlete of that caliber doing ballet helped me feel more comfortable. Since then, there have been many famous athletes that do ballet as a part of their cross training. Currently one of the best linebackers in the NFL, Nakobe Dean, takes classes to maintain his health and mobility.”
Juan Castellanos, Alabama Ballet Company
Born in Dublin, Ireland, and raised in Philadelphia, Castellanos grew up surrounded by the arts. At eight, he began classical ballet training at Metropolitan Ballet Academy. He even played Fritz in a production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®!
He first arrived in Birmingham in 2023, drawn by the opportunity to work with Alabama Ballet’s Artistic Director Christopher Stuart.
Now in his fourth season with Alabama Ballet, Castellanos hopes young men get a thrill of excitement and encouragement watching men accomplish impressive lifts, jumps and turns.
“It’s truly amazing how men execute extremely difficult movements but make it look effortless. Although male dancers often complement their women partners on stage, in many contemporary ballets we’re required to dance with the same amount of energy, grace and charm. Being a male dancer is one of the best jobs around, you get to do it all.”
Juan Castellanos, Alabama Ballet Company
Don’t miss seeing Juan perform in Alabama Ballet’s 2026-2027 season!
Alabama Ballet provides real experience and helps develop the skills needed for a career in dance. If you’re an advanced dancer ready to level up, consider becoming a student of The Day Program.
Alabama Ballet’s adult classes: Quality training for everyone
Whether you’re a serious dancer or simply looking for a fun way to stay active, people of all genders have discovered a love of dance through Alabama Ballet’s adult classes.
Classes include:
- Beginner: For the adult with little to no prior experience
- $20 per class ($12 with valid Student I.D.)
- $180 per 10 class package ($115 with valid Student I.D.)
- Thursdays: 6:30-8PM
- Intermediate + advanced: For the adult who has some prior experience
- $20 per class ($12 with valid Student I.D.)
- $180 per 10 class package ($115 with valid Student I.D.)
- Monday-Wednesday: 6:30-8PM | Tuesday, Thursday + Saturday: 10-11:30AM
- Minimum age for adult classes is 16
- Class Attire: Ballet slippers required + wear either a leotard + tights or fitted athleisure
- Where: Alabama Ballet Studios
Registration is open year-round for adult ballet classes.
Don’t miss the performances of Alabama Ballet’s 2026-2027 season
Alabama Ballet’s 2026–2027 season brings together exceptional talent and dedication in a stunning lineup of performances, including:
- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
- When: December 12-22, 2026
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall
- Tickets on sale now
- Unbound: a thrilling mixed repertory program
- When: February 5-7, 2027
- Where: BJCC Theater
- Tickets on sale January 6
- At Home: New Voices
- When: March 5-7, 2027
- Where: Alabama Ballet Center for Dance
- Tickets on sale January 19
- Swan Lake
- When: April 30—May 2, 2027
- Where: BJCC Concert Hall
- Tickets on sale February 17
Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for Alabama Ballet’s 2026–2027 season + explore their dance programs!
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