The professional ballet company is expanding its performances and welcoming new dancers
A year ago, National Ballet of Texas stepped onto the North Texas arts scene with an ambitious goal: establish a professional ballet company that could deliver high-quality performances while becoming part of the community it calls home.
Just one season later, the Plano-based company has already built an impressive foundation.
In its inaugural year, National Ballet of Texas presented two full-length productions, collaborated with five local choreographers — including Dallas dance icon Jennifer Mabus — performed nine original works, staged excerpts from three beloved classical ballets, partnered with both a musician ensemble and an Emmy Award-winning guitarist, appeared at two dance festivals and launched an ongoing Nutcracker outreach performance at NorthPark Center.
Now, the company is preparing for an even bigger second season.
A Season Inspired By Art
The 2026-27 season opens Aug. 1 with Le Train Bleu: A Journey Into Picasso at Plano’s Courtyard Theater.
Inspired by the legendary 1924 Ballets Russes production Le Train Bleu, the performance pays tribute to one of the ballet world’s most celebrated collaborations with artist Pablo Picasso, who helped create the original production’s visual design. 
The evening begins with a nod to the historic ballet before transitioning into a series of original works choreographed by local artists. Each choreographer selected a different Picasso masterpiece as inspiration, with the artwork projected behind the dancers during each performance to create a unique fusion of visual art and dance.
The company’s fall schedule also includes performances at Celebrate the Arts on Aug. 15, the Plano International Festival on Oct. 17, three performances of act II of The Nutcracker at the Addison Performing Arts Centre on Nov. 21-22 and a holiday pop-up performance at NorthPark Center on Dec. 19.
Making Ballet More Accessible
While performances remain at the heart of the company, National Ballet of Texas is equally focused on making ballet accessible beyond the stage.
This spring, the company launched Silver Slippers, a ballet program for seniors at Plano Community Homes. Led by National Ballet of Texas dancers, the classes have quickly become one of the organization’s most rewarding community initiatives.
“When I teach at the PCH, it’s always the highlight of my week,” said company artist and founding member Erika Bressler. “Watching the senior dancers progress throughout the last couple of months has been inspiring, and I love the little community we have created.”
The experience has also strengthened connections between performers and audiences.
“I loved hearing what they enjoyed and what they are excited about for our next shows,” Bressler said.
Growing The Company
As the organization continues to evolve, National Ballet of Texas is also welcoming new trainees, guest artists and company members.
“To be doing what we’re doing and to be growing the way we are is just really something special,” said Director Cindi Lawrence Hanson.
For Ballet Mistress Sydney Blalock Ritchie, growth means more than adding performances to the calendar.
“We are very excited to be a company that not only brings audiences to the theater and shares our art with the community, but also be an organization where dancers really want to be,” said Ritchie.
Be Part Of The Journey
Tickets are now on sale for Le Train Bleu: A Journey Into Picasso, taking place Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Theater in Plano. Tickets start at $40.
Those looking to support National Ballet of Texas beyond attending a performance can also become a donor or sponsor through the company’s website.
For tickets, upcoming performances and more information, visit NationalBalletTX.org.