When Fort Wayne Ballet faces a challenge, they don’t bat an eye. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to spread their wings. 

Metamorphosis, the theme of FWB’s 68th season, could not be more fitting. 

Arts United Center, the longtime home stage of the organization, is closed for renovations. Pearl Street Arts Center, where FWB is set to open their season, is still under construction. And the Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, where The Nutcracker will be performed this year, will be closed for renovations soon after the show. 

Despite the volatility in the availability of local performance venues, FWB will do what it does best — pivot and embrace the changes. 

Pivoting is something dancers are good at; most can recall the distinct voice of a jazz teacher, at some point in their lives, yelling the phrase, “Step, pivot!” above the sound of some upbeat music. It means to step forward in one direction then do a 180-degree turn and change directions. 

FWB will be performing this familiar step as an organization this season as they navigate the changing arts landscape of Fort Wayne. 

Even as things change, many aspects of their season will remain very much the same. Audiences can still look forward to Main Stage Productions, the Mixed Repertoire Series, and Family Series, which we will preview for you now.

Main Stage Productions

Don Quixote, Oct. 18-19

FWB will open its Main Stage season with Don Quixote at the Pearl Street Arts Center. This performance will be the first major performance at the venue.

“Inspired by Cervante’s novel and among the most beloved of ballet’s romantic comedies, Don Quixote brings revelry and passion to life in three acts,” a description of the show reads on FWB’s website. “Among the plot’s memorable characters, we’ll meet a pair of young lovers, Kitri and Basilio, who fall in love despite the protests of Kitri’s father and follow the heartwarming adventures of one man’s dream to restore chivalry, virtue, and love.” 

The Nutcracker, Dec. 6-8

The Nutcracker, a community favorite during the holiday season, will take place at the Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center. 

Loyal fans of FWB’s Nutcracker may notice there is only one weekend of performances this year, but no need to fear! Due to the seating capacity at the downtown Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, there will be enough tickets for everyone. 

Artistic Director Karen Gibbons-Brown said that, with the vintage beauty of the Robert Goldstine P.A.C., watching The Nutcracker will have an added sense of magic, as if the audience were watching dancers in a jewel box. 

Performing at this venue will be a journey back in time for FWB, and many community members, since the venue was the original home of FWB’s Nutcracker.

Then, FWB will take the holiday show on the road.

“We’ll perform The Nutcracker for one weekend here in Fort Wayne, then we’re taking the Land of Sweets to some other areas and performing in their communities,” Gibbons-Brown said. “We’ll be going to Kendallville, then Defiance, Ohio, with some beautiful excerpts of the show.”

Ballet Russe Reimagined

March 21-22, April 11-12, May 9-10

A series of three Main Stage Productions, Ballet Russe Reimagined, will take place in the spring at Pearl Street Arts Center. 

The legendary Ballet Russes, a touring group of dancers brought together by Serge Diaghilev, “claim a special position, even a unique one, in the history of the performing arts, in terms of a reawakening of interest in ballet in Europe and America.” 

FWB seeks to breathe new life into some of Diaghilev’s most iconic choreography during this series. 

The first show in the series will be a reimagined performance of Les Sylphides along with The Rite of Spring on March 21-22. Originally choreographed by Diaghilev, David Ingram will be creating a modern choreographic rendition of Les Sylphides, while The Rite of Spring will be reimagined by Mark Godden. Both of these shows will be world premieres.

The second show will include The Rite of Spring and George Balenchine’s iconic Serenade, April 11-12. 

The third and final show of Ballet Russe Reimagined will include Serenade and Fancy-Free. These shows are uniquely tied together because Serenade was Balenchine’s first ballet he choreographed in America, and Fancy-Free was the first ballet Jerome Robbins choreographed. 

“There’s not one of these pieces that I’m not excited for,” Gibbons-Brown said. “Each of these ballets brings something valuable and exciting to the dancers performing it and the audience members viewing it.” 

Mixed Repertory Series

Studio Series: Director’s Choice

Sept. 20-21, Nov. 8-9

Hosted in Fort Wayne Ballet’s studios at Auer Center for Arts & Culture, the Director’s Choice performances allow the audience to “enjoy a variety of dances that blend artistry with athleticism and cocktails with conversation” and is split into two performances. 

The first weekend of the Director’s Choice series will feature up-close performances as well as a question-and-answer session with the dancers after the show. 

The second weekend on Nov. 8-9 will include “a few sneak peek excerpts from everyone’s holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.”

Love Notes, Feb. 14-15

A highly anticipated part of every FWB season, Love Notes “offers a beautiful blend of dancing from classical pas de deux to dynamic contemporary movements, showcasing the essence of love in all its forms.” 

This show is sure to be the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day weekend!

Firefly Tour

As FWB closes their season and welcomes summer, they embark on the traveling Firefly Tour. 

This tour is “a series of free outdoor performances around Northeast Indiana. The Firefly Tour features a variety of works, many of which are choreographed by the professional dancers of Fort Wayne Ballet.” 

Specific times and locations will be announced in the spring, so be on the lookout for more information.

Family Series

It wouldn’t be a FWB season without the Family Series. 

This series of shows features the Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company and is fun for all ages at FWB’s Studios. 

Shortened run times and interactive activities make these shows a great way to introduce young audience members to dance. 

This year’s Family Series includes Spooky Kooky Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 26, Curious George on Feb. 22, and Pippi Longstocking on April 26.