Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga Ballet has announced its full schedule for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, highlighted by the premiere of the ballet ‘Curveball,’ which tells the story of Jackie Mitchell’s historic strikeouts. The season opens with ‘ART/Current’ and features a mix of classical and contemporary performances. Tickets are on sale and various productions will include digital backdrops and special audience engagement elements.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Chattanooga Ballet has unveiled its exciting full schedule for the 2025-2026 season, which will commence with the anticipated performance of “ART/Current” on October 4-5, 2025. The performances will take place at the UTC Fine Arts Center, and tickets are currently on sale.
The upcoming season promises a dynamic selection of ballets that blend fluid athleticism with a mix of classical and contemporary styles. Notable contributions will come from renowned ballet masters such as Robert Joffrey and Salvatore Aiello, alongside innovative works from newer artists.
A highlight of the season will be the World Premiere of a ballet titled “Curveball”, scheduled for April 11-13, 2025. This production narrates the remarkable story of Jackie Mitchell from Chattanooga, who struck out baseball legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931. The ballet will feature a lively jazz-era score and is expected to evoke humor and nostalgia through various staging elements, including popcorn, cracker jacks, and pennant flags to enhance the audience experience.
“Curveball” will mark a significant milestone as it becomes the first full-length story-ballet set in Chattanooga. The ballet will be enriched by digital backdrops, sophisticated lighting design, and original costumes, creating scenes reminiscent of classic films such as “A League of Their Own.” The production will showcase talented dancers from the Chattanooga Ballet’s School in ensemble roles, with many of these young artists having received invitations to prestigious summer programs.
The Friday performance of “Curveball” will also be designated as Alumni Night to celebrate the ballet school’s 50th Anniversary. Tickets for this special event will include group dinner options organized by Chatt Taste, providing a unique experience for attendees.
Brian McSween, the CEO and Artistic Director of Chattanooga Ballet, has developed 16 works for the company and champions the organization’s mission to “serve through the power of dance.” McSween’s previous experience includes serving as Ballet Master for Ballet Memphis and performing professionally with elite companies, including Joffrey Ballet and Complexions.
Performances of “Curveball” are set for April 11 and 12 at 7 PM, with a matinee performance on April 13 at 3 PM. Ticket prices range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased online or via phone at (423) 757-5580.
FAQ
What is the opening performance of the 2025-2026 season for Chattanooga Ballet?
The opening performance is “ART/Current” on October 4-5, 2025.
Where will the performances take place?
The performances will take place at the UTC Fine Arts Center.
What type of ballets will be featured in the upcoming season?
The selection of ballets promises fluid athleticism and includes a mix of classical and contemporary styles.
What is the World Premiere ballet titled?
The World Premiere ballet is titled “Curveball.”
When is “Curveball” scheduled for performances?
“Curveball” is scheduled for April 11-13, 2025.
What story does the ballet “Curveball” tell?
“Curveball” tells the story of Chattanooga’s Jackie Mitchell, who struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931.
What will enhance the “Curveball” ballet experience for the audience?
The ballet features jazz-era music, humor, and nostalgia, with elements like popcorn, cracker jacks, and pennant flags enhancing the audience experience.
What role will dancers from the Chattanooga Ballet’s School play in “Curveball”?
The production features top dancers from Chattanooga Ballet’s School in ensemble roles, many of whom have been invited to prestigious summer programs.
What is special about the Friday performance of “Curveball”?
The Friday performance of “Curveball” will be Alumni Night as part of the ballet school’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
How can tickets for “Curveball” be purchased?
Tickets for “Curveball” range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased online or via phone at (423) 757-5580.
Key Features of the Chattanooga Ballet 2025-2026 Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Performance | “ART/Current” on October 4-5, 2025 |
| Location | UTC Fine Arts Center |
| Type of Ballets | Mix of classical and contemporary styles |
| World Premiere Ballet | “Curveball” on April 11-13, 2025 |
| Storyline of “Curveball” | Jackie Mitchell striking out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in 1931 |
| Special Elements | Jazz-era music, humor, audience engagement with popcorn and cracker jacks |
| Alumni Night | Friday performance as part of the ballet school’s 50th Anniversary |
| Ticket Price Range | $20 to $40 |
| Ticket Purchase | Available online or at (423) 757-5580 |
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Additional Resources
- Nooga Today: Chattanooga Ballet Twirls into a New Season
- Clanton Advertiser: Chattanooga Ballet Visits Clanton for Professional Dance Guidance
- Chattanooga Pulse: Chattanooga Ballet Presents “Curveball”
- Times Free Press: Photos of Chattanooga Ballet’s Land of Sweets
- Nooga Today: Ballet Meets Baseball in This Chattanooga Performance
- Wikipedia: Ballet
- Google Search: Chattanooga Ballet
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Ballet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ballet
- Google News: Chattanooga Ballet
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
