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Giselle with the PBT Orchestra Opens Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s 2026-27 Season

 


 

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Artists Colin McCaslin and Hannah Carter; Photo by Justin Merriman

 

PBT Will Perform the Classic Ballet Masterpiece October 23-25, 2026 at the Benedum Center 


Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) opens its 2026-27 season with Giselle with the PBT Orchestra, performing October 23-25 at the Benedum Center. One of the oldest and most demanding works in the Romantic ballet repertoire, Giselle premiered in Paris in 1841 at the beginning of French Romanticism. PBT’s production will feature new staging by artistic director Adam W. McKinney, based on the original choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, with later Russian revisions by Marius Petipa. 

 

Giselle is a tragic story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. It is renowned for its emotional depth, technical rigor, and theatricality. Giselle's iconic choreography, sweeping costuming, and ethereal aesthetic redefined ballet, while elevating the ballerina's role and introducing new techniques and stylistic elements that continue to influence ballet today.

 

Giselle explores class differences, the supernatural, and the idea that love transcends everything. The title role is considered one of ballet’s greatest challenges, requiring the artist to move seamlessly from innocent protagonist to heartbroken spirit, all while demonstrating accomplished technique and expressive storytelling. 

 

“I selected Giselle as the opening production of our 2026-27 season for audiences to experience one of ballet’s most iconic and enduring masterpieces,” said Adam W. McKinney, PBT Artistic Director. “In collaboration with the PBT Orchestra, who will play Adolphe Adam’s undying score, Giselle epitomizes the lasting impact and beauty of ballet.” 

 

PBT Connects: Theater Programs

The following PBT Education and Community Engagement programs are designed to enrich the ballet experience and are open to all ticket holders:

 

Opening Night Preview with Rehearsal Director Barbara Bears | Friday, October 23 | 6:30 p.m.

Audience members can enrich their experience at the performance by hearing from choreographers, stagers, and other creative artists involved in the production. The event will be held in the theater.

 

Artist Q&A | Friday, October 23 | after the 7:30 p.m. performance

Audience members can chat with PBT’s artists about their roles in the performance, preparing for a ballet, working with choreographers, and more. The event will take place in the theater.

 

Curtain Up! with Costume Director Kristin McLain | Saturday, October 24 | 1 p.m. 

This is a special opportunity to see the dancers warming up before the show. The event will take place in the theater.

 

Tea with the AD with Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney | Saturday, October 24 | 6:30 p.m.

Grab your tea – or your favorite drink – and join Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney for an informal conversation before the performance. The event will be held in the theater.

 

Artist Q&A | Saturday, October 24 | after the 7:30 p.m. performance

Audience members can chat with PBT’s artists about their roles in the performance, preparing for a ballet, working with choreographers, and more. The event will take place in the theater.

 

Curtain Up! with Guest Conductor Ormsby Wilkins | Sunday, October 25 |  1 p.m. 

This is a special opportunity to see the dancers warming up before the show. The event will take place in the theater.

 

Audio Description | Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. show

An audio description will be available for the 2:00 p.m. performance on Sunday, October 25.

 

Schedule

PBT will perform Giselle with the PBT Orchestra at the Bendum Center on the following dates and times: 

  • Friday, October 23, 2026, 7:30 PM

  • Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2:00 PM

  • Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7:30 PM

  • Sunday, October 25, 2026, 2:00 PM

 

Ticket Information

Single tickets for Giselle with the PBT Orchestra start at $33.50, including all fees, and are available at pbt.org or by calling 412-456-6666. Season subscription packages are also available. More information is available at pbt.org or by calling 412-454-9107.

 

Groups purchasing eight or more tickets save up to 50%. More information is available at pbt.org/groups. 

 

PBT’s 2026-27 Season - Escape into Wonder

Watch our video preview for highlights of the exciting new season lineup.

 

  • Giselle with the PBT Orchestra, October 23-25, 2026

  • The Nutcracker,  December 4-27, 2026 

  • Alice in  Wonderland, February 12-21, 2027

  • Spring Mix: World Premieres,  April 9-11, 2027 

  • The Sleeping Beauty with the PBT Orchestra, May 7-9, 2027

 

About Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has been Pittsburgh’s premier professional ballet company since 1969. Today, PBT is a nationally recognized ballet company of 30 professional dancers, a training institution for over 1,200 students of all ages, and an incubator for education and accessibility programs in classrooms, libraries, and community centers throughout the region. The company, under the leadership of artistic director Adam W. McKinney and executive director Nicholas Dragga, performs a wide-ranging repertoire of classical ballets, contemporary masterworks, and new commissions in nearly 50 performances annually. 

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