New England Ballet Theatre Makes USJ Its New Home For 2026-27

WEST HARTFORD/AVON, CT — New England Ballet Theatre is establishing a new home in West Hartford as the resident ballet company at the University of Saint Joseph, preparing for its seventh season.

The Avon-based professional ballet company announced that all four of its 2026-27 mainstage productions will be performed at the university, located at 1678 Asylum Ave., in Hoffman Auditorium.

The season begins this weekend with the world premiere of "Dorianne Grey."

The season also marks an expansion for New England Ballet Theatre, which has grown to 22 professional dancers, its largest roster to date.

"Season seven represents a tremendous step forward for our organization," Artistic and Executive Director Rachael Gnatowski said. "Having a home at the University of Saint Joseph allows us to continue growing artistically while deepening our connection with the Greater Hartford community."

Gnatowski said the season will feature new choreography, collaborations, classical works, and opportunities for younger dancers.

The 2026-27 season includes:

• Sept. 26-27 — "Dorianne Grey": The season opens with the world premiere of an original ballet inspired by Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Choreographer Christopher Fleming, a former New York City Ballet dancer, created the production, which explores beauty, ambition, identity and morality. The ballet features an original score by Dr. David Goldstein.
• Dec. 4-6 — "The Fantastic Toyshop": The company's family-oriented holiday production returns with a story set in Hartford in 1943 in which toys come to life. Professional dancers will perform alongside students from The School of New England Ballet Theatre and dancers selected through community auditions.
• March 13, 2027 — "Ballet Unbound": The annual mixed-repertoire program will feature several choreographers and new works. International ballet dancer Ingrid Silva, known for her career with Dance Theatre of Harlem, will collaborate with composer Leandro Albuquerque on a new creation. William Smith's "Lark Ascending," developed in collaboration with a Deaf interpreter, will also be performed. Gnatowski will premiere a new ballet, while Tyler Schnese will create a work through the Emerging Choreographer Commission. The program is scheduled to travel to New York City following its Connecticut performance.
• May 21-23, 2027 — "Swan Lake": The season concludes with the classical ballet featuring New England Ballet Theatre's professional dancers alongside students from its school and young dancers selected through community auditions.

New England Ballet Theatre said its University of Saint Joseph residency will create opportunities to collaborate with university students while giving the professional company a consistent performance home in Greater Hartford.

The company will also continue its partnership with The Miracle League to present Everybody Dance Now at the university's Gengras Center, an inclusive dance program for people with disabilities

For more information, including ticket information, click on this link.