Cincinnati Ballet Swan Lake takes the stage for Valentine's Day

Story and photo courtesy of Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI, OH  – Cincinnati Ballet’s Swan Lake returns to Music Hall February 13-21, 2026. The classic, romantic tragedy premieres during Valentine’s Dayweekend, making it a must-see for romantics. The iconic and challenging choreography by Kirk Peterson after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov will captivate patrons. This stunning rendition of Tchaikovsky’s famous score is brought to life by The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Cincinnati Ballet’s longstanding affection for Swan Lake and its legacy makes it a perfect addition to the 2025-2026 season. Premiering Valentine’s Day weekend adds an element of romanticism that will satisfy casual and serious fans of ballet alike.

The rigorous choreography of Swan Lake showcases the talent of the dancers while also using it to communicate with the audience. Pantomime gestures are used extensively to convey the emotions of the characters depicted within the ballet and further their emotional arcs. The choreography of Odette and Odile demands extraordinary versatility, asking dancers to transform seamlessly from a figure of light and love into one of darkness and deceit within the same performance. This duality not only tests technical precision, but also demands profound emotional depth and dramatic nuance.

The dancers will be sporting refreshed costumes which until recent edits had been unchanged since the 1990’s. Updated elements will be added to Prince Siegfried and many of the Corps costumes. Swan Lake remains the quintessential and traditional masterpiece that has entranced audiences for generations.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION

WHO:

Cincinnati Ballet Choreography: Kirk Peterson after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov will captivate patrons. Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed by The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

WHEN:

• Friday, February 13 – 7:30 pm
• Saturday, February 14 – 2:00 pm
• Saturday, February 14 – 7:30 pm
• Sunday, February 15 – 1:00 pm
• Thursday, February 19 – 7:30 pm
• Friday, February 20 – 7:30 pm
• Saturday, February 21 – 2:00 pm
• Saturday, February 21 –7:30 pm

WHERE:

Music Hall 1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Cincinnati Ballet 2025-2026 Season Sponsors: Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund Tickets are on sale now, starting at $39. For more performance details, showtimes and to reserve seats, patrons can visit cballet.org, call the Cincinnati Ballet Box Office at 513.621.5282, or email welcome@cballet.org for assistance.

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