2025/26 Performances
A NEW ENGLAND NUTCRACKER
DECEMBER 13, 2025 at 1PM & 4PM | KEITH MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, NEW BEDFORD
Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is re-imagined through New Bedford's historic whaling era, and prepare for the "City That Lit the World" to light up your holiday season. Set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, the performance follows young Mary through a night of adventure. The performance is filled with colorful and playful characters from around the globe, including those unique to the New England region. The audience is entertained by French, Russian and Spanish dancers, whaling sailors, The Sugar Plum Fairy, sparkling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and more!
This simple version with narration is engaging for children of all ages.
COURAGE, STRENGTH, AND TRUST: THE MANJIRO STORY
MARCH 8, 2026 at 1PM & 2PM | NEW BEDFORD BALLET COMMUNITY THEATER
Travel back in time to 1841, as New Bedford Youth Ballet performs “Courage, Perseverance, and Trust: The Manjiro Story” based on the extraordinary life of Manjiro Nakahama. Written by New Bedford Ballet’s artistic director, Rebecca Waskiel-Marchesseault, the Manjiro Story is the tale of a poor, uneducated, shipwrecked Japanese boy rescued by the New Bedford whaling ship, the John Howland. What followed is a tale of history.
Each March, the New Bedford Youth Ballet brings a children’s ballet to local elementary schools. Multiple performances at various schools span over the first two weeks in March. Public performances will be held on March 8th at New Bedford Ballet’s Community Theater, 2459 Purchase Street, New Bedford, for families and members of the community to enjoy.
Adult $20 | Senior, Student, Child (12 & Under) $10
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Set to the enchanting music of Mendelssohn, this whimsical tale of Oberon, the King of the Fairies and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, will bring Shakespeare’s classical story to life. Original choreography will showcase beginner through advanced level ballet students, ages five through eighteen. A colorful garden filled with graceful flowers, fairies, nymphs, pixies and butterflies and a magical forest filled with dancing frogs, newts, ladybugs and bees adds to this ballet’s family appeal. Lavish sets, beautiful costumes, and fun-loving characters provide the ingredients for a spectacular performance for Shakespeare and dance fans of all ages.
We are excited for our return to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in June to present A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
JUNE 6, 2026 at 1PM and 7PM | ZEITERION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, NEW BEDFORD
SUMMER PERFORMANCE
JULY 31, 2026, at 5:30 & 7:30PM and AUGUST 1, 2026, at 1PM & 3PM | NEW BEDFORD BALLET COMMUNITY THEATER
The New Bedford Ballet culminates its summer season with 4 performances blending classical and contemporary choreography.
Original contemporary choreography by New Bedford Ballet advanced students and classical and contemporary dance pieces choreographed by New Bedford Ballet instructors are included in this artistic collage of dance styles.
“The choreography, costumes, and sets, along with the engaging and inspiring use of students of all ages, were so delightful. It was wonderful to see a culmination event that embraced the beauty of ballet and the commitment of so many people, dancers and families alike, who reflected the impact you have on dance lovers.”
— Eve Rounds, Miami City and Festival Ballet Providence Board Member & Boston Ballet Trustee Emerita
New Bedford Ballet’s Snow Queen performance at The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, June 2023
New Bedford Ballet Swan Lake June 2022 performance at Zeiterion Performing Arts Center