Springfield, Missouri – July 29, 2026 – Springfield Ballet is celebrating 50 years with an unforgettable 2026-2027 season of The Nutcracker and culminating in a breathtaking adaptation of the beloved fairy tale, The Sleeping Beauty!

Now in its 41st year, Springfield Ballet’s The Nutcracker brings the magic of the holidays to life as audiences join Clara on her enchanting journey through a dreamscape filled with brave toy soldiers, mischievous mice, waltzing flowers, and the dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy. Audiences will have eight chances to see The Nutcracker from December 17-21, 2026 at the Historic Landers Theatre. Plan now to reserve your tickets as these performances traditionally sell out.

In May 2027, Springfield Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty celebrates the love and beauty of this classic fairy tale with four performances of an original adaptation built for the Historic Landers Theatre stage and Springfield audiences. 

Each production features over 100 dancers and provides opportunities for children to share the stage with professional guest artists, learn how to work among all levels of dancers, and watch the development of choreography. “Being a part of a Springfield Ballet production gives dancers the opportunity to learn all about the behind the scenes work of what brings a show to life besides their choreography,” said Springfield Ballet Co-Artistic Director Maria Velàzquez. “From the lighting, set piece changes, costumes, stage makeup and props, they are immersed in how to work as a team to bring the ballet stories alive for audiences. We have cultivated a very special pre-professional production here in the Ozarks.”

Dancers ages five and up across the Ozarks are invited to audition to be a part of Springfield Ballet’s 2026-2027 season! To audition, dancers must be five by August 1, 2026. Auditions for The Nutcracker will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026 for dancers ages 11+ en pointe, and  Saturday, August 29, 2026 for dancers ages 5-10+ not en pointe. Auditions for Springfield Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty will be held on Thursday, January 21 and Saturday, January 23, 2027. All auditions are at The Creamery Arts Center at 411 N. Sherman Parkway, Springfield, MO 65802. Learn more at SpringfieldBallet.org/Auditions.

Patron tickets for Springfield Ballet’s 2026-2027 season are now available. Patron tickets offer priority seating to both The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty, free downtown parking, and a tax deductible donation that helps make it possible for low income children in the community to attend Springfield Ballet productions free of charge.

Season tickets are available beginning  August 3, 2026 while single tickets for The Nutcracker go on sale October 5, 2026. Tickets are available through Springfield Ballet’s official (and only) ticket provider the Historic Landers Theatre Box Office in person, at 417.869.1334 or online at Shows Springfield Ballet.

Whether in the audience or onstage, join Springfield Ballet for a season filled with wonder, tradition, and celebration.

Springfield Ballet, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the mission of advancing the art of ballet through premier education, performance, outreach, and collaboration. As a staple in the Springfield arts community since 1976, the Ballet provides the highest level of classical ballet training in southwest Missouri and produces two full-length ballets each year, including the seasonal favorite The Nutcracker. Learn more at SpringfieldBallet.org.

For more information, contact Kyler Dibben, Executive Director, at 417.862.1343 or kdibben@springfieldballet.org.