Dance Under the Stars with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

PHOTO BY AVIANA ADAMS | PBT ARTISTS HANNAH CARTER AND COLIN MCCASLIN

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is inviting you to a night out under the stars. 

The organization’s popular “Ballet Under the Stars” performance will return on Sunday, Aug. 23. The free program will include sneak peeks at new works from PBT’s upcoming 2026-27 season and favorites from last season. 

Three original works choreographed by PBT artists Matthew Griffin and Madison Russo will also be featured, including Russo’s award-winning ballet “Spina.”

Notably, the event will also provide an exclusive sneak preview of the newly choreographed “Adagio” by Trey McIntyre, from PBT’s upcoming revised version of “The Nutcracker,” which will premiere in December 2027. 

“We have an extra special ‘Ballet Under the Stars’ program this year that I am positive the audience will absolutely love,” Adam W. McKinney, PBT artistic director, says in a statement. “Not only does the performance include ballets from last season and this coming season, but attendees will get a first look at the new version of ‘The Nutcracker’ that we are planning for 2027.”

This “magical, family-friendly” evening will unfold at the “picturesque” Middle Road Concert Area in Hartwood Acres Park, offering a “one-of-a-kind ballet experience under the open sky,” organizers say. It is part of Allegheny County’s 2026 Summer Concert Series. 

“I hope everyone enjoys watching our artists on the beautiful outdoor stage at Hartwood Acres and having the opportunity to interact with them during the event,” McKinney says.

Folks who register for the free event will also have a chance to win a 5-ballet subscription.

The schedule of events for Ballet Under the Stars includes:

Free Pre-Show Family Activities // 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy before the main performance begins. Attendees are invited to arrive early to enjoy a variety of activities, including picnics and food trucks, as well as free children’s activities such as crafts with the Kamin Science Center and Buzzword, face painting, balloon art, and mini dance classes at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. led by a PBT teaching artist. 

Picnic in the Park // 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join fellow ballet enthusiasts and PBT’s artistic director, Adam W. McKinney, under the tent for drinks, dinner, and the opportunity to meet and chat with PBT artists. Tickets are $100 for adults and $25 for children. Register online or call Associate Director of Development Aziza El Feil at 412-454-9127 for more information. 

Free Mixed Repertory Performance // 7:30 p.m.

As the sun sets, PBT will present a stunning mixed repertory performance featuring classical and contemporary ballet works. The performance program is as follows, subject to change:

• Company B Excerpts | “Choreography” by Paul Taylor
  • “Pennsylvania Polka”
  • “Tico Tico” 
  • “I Can Dream Can’t I?” 
• “Giselle Pas de Deux”  | New staging by Adam W. McKinney after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
• “The Sleeping Beauty Excerpts” | New staging by Adam W. McKinney after Marius Petipa 
• “The Nutcracker Excerpts” (current version) |  Choreography by Terrence S. Orr 
  • “Snow Scene”
  • “Elegance Pas De Deux”
• “Alice in Wonderland” Sneak Peek | Choreography by Matthew Griffin (PBT Artist)
• “Giselle Peasant Pas De Huit” | New staging by Adam W. McKinney after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream Pas de Deux”  | Choreography by Ben Stevenson
• “Spina” | Choreography by Madison Russo (PBT Artist)
• “Spring Mix World Premiere Excerpts” | Choreography by Omar Román de Jesús 
• “The Nutcracker Adagio” (new version) | Choreography by Trey McIntyre
• “We Found Love” (Finale)  | Choreography by Madison Russo (PBT Artist)