Palmetto City Ballet ushers in a new season of professional dance in Charleston with a lineup of full-length classics and its largest roster of dancers to date. The company opens its 2026-27 season with its chilling production of “Dracula” on Oct. 24 and 25, followed by its annually sold-out performances of “Charleston’s Nutcracker” on Dec. 18, 19 and 20, 2026, at the historic Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. downtown. On March 14 and 15, 2027, “Cinderella” takes center stage, complete with Prokofiev’s classic score and glistening glass slippers.
Under the direction of Jonathan Tabbert and Stephen Gabriel, the upcoming season immerses audiences in iconic literary tales that invite them to experience dynamic storytelling, rich costuming and intricate choreography. The three audience-favorite productions place Palmetto City Ballet at the heart of Charleston’s vibrant arts scene and offer Charlestonians a way to enjoy professional dance year-round in the Holy City. The company welcomes two new dancers to its ranks for its 12th season, growing its roster to 15 professional artists from across the nation.
Inspired by its 2026-27 season theme, “Three Worlds. One Stage,” “Dracula” invites audiences into the gothic world of the count and his brides as they follow ill-fated sisters Mina and Lucy through moonlit graveyards and dark forests. Tabbert’s stage adaptation closely follows Bram Stoker’s classic novel, throwing the vampire’s romance with the sisters into sharp relief against the death and horror that ensue.
“Charleston’s Nutcracker” is the company’s signature holiday production, with last year’s attendance reaching an all-time high of 3,140 audience members across four sold-out performances. As the only professional production of “The Nutcracker” set in Charleston, it transforms Act II into the Victorian Charleston Market as the Sugar Plum Fairy guides young orphan Clara toward fulfilling her dream of having a family in a heartwarming twist.
“Cinderella” is the classical jewel of the season, with magical wildlife creatures and the otherworldly Fairy Godmother giving way to vibrant ballroom dances and a fairy-tale romance between the young heroine and a handsome prince.
Palmetto City Ballet also unveiled two opportunities for Lowcountry student dancers to audition for youth roles in “Charleston’s Nutcracker” and “Cinderella,” continuing the nonprofit’s commitment to providing outstanding educational and performance opportunities for young dancers. Students ages 6 through 18 from across the Charleston region are invited to audition for coveted youth roles while learning from the company’s directors and professional artists.
Open auditions for “Charleston’s Nutcracker” will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, and open auditions for “Cinderella” are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, at the company’s studios at 494 Wando Park Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. Registration and rehearsal information can be found on Palmetto City Ballet’s website.
Artistic Director Jonathan Tabbert is eager to bring the ballets to the stage.
“This season is comprised of not just audience favorites but also three of my favorite ballets from the company’s repertoire,” Tabbert said. “Each is unique in their storytelling and choreographic voice. The sheer volume and scope of characters this season is remarkable.”
Palmetto City Ballet looks forward to continuing its legacy of groundbreaking choreography and bold storytelling as it welcomes new and returning audiences to the theater this season.
Tickets and information about Palmetto City Ballet’s performances of “Dracula,” “Charleston’s Nutcracker” and “Cinderella” can be found at palmettocityballet.org.