Editor’s Note (April 16, 2025): This story was updated to reflect the passing of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, the former Artistic Director of Charlotte Ballet. We learned of his death after the original version was published and have made changes to acknowledge this loss.
This is an exciting time of year, when many of our local and regional arts organizations announce their plans for the upcoming season. The Charlotte Ballet recently unveiled its 2025-26 lineup, which artistic director Alejandro Cerrudo is calling What Moves You. The schedule appears to put an emphasis on contemporary work, perhaps as a way of carrying newer audiences beyond their own preconceived definitions of ballet.
Sadly, this year is marked by a heavy loss. Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, former Artistic Director of Charlotte Ballet, passed away on April 13, 2025, at the age of 82. A celebrated dancer, choreographer, and teacher, he was a guiding light across the world of ballet. From his early days as a danseur étoile with Paris Opera Ballet to his celebrated years at New York City Ballet, Bonnefoux brought exceptional artistry to every stage. During his 20 years as Charlotte Ballet’s third Artistic Director, he helped shape the company into the vibrant institution it is today by expanding its repertoire, generously mentoring young talent, and enriching the Charlotte community through dance. Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux will be missed.
Charlotte Ballet’s new season begins October 30-November 1 at Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte) with Fall Works: Whispers, Echoes, Voices. The program includesJiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, choreographed to Mozart’s Piano Concertos, Nos. 21 and 23. Solo Echo by Crystal Pite was inspired by two sonatas for cello and piano by Johannes Brahms. Finally, the Charlotte Ballet will present the thrilling world premiere of South African choreographer Mthuthuzeli November’s As I Am.
A holiday tradition returns with the Charlotte Ballet’s production of Nutcracker, December 5-21 at Belk Theater (130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte). Year after year, audiences of all ages fall under the spell of the late Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s breathtaking choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. The Christmas season just isn’t complete without it.
The new year will bring Winter Works: Boundless to the Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance (701 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte), February 20-March 21. Topping the bill is a world premiere by Asheville, North Carolina-based choreographer Nicole Vaughn-Diaz. That’s followed by Ohad Naharin’s acrobatic, and immersive Kamuyot, which younger audiences find especially engaging.
The Charlotte Ballet returns to Knight Theater (430 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte), May 7-10 with their production of artistic director Alejandro Cerrudo’s One Thousand Pieces.Inspired by Marc Chagall’s America Windows, the 70-minute ballet features the music of Philip Glass, including pieces composed for the films Dracula and The Illusionist.
The 2025-26 season will conclude June 11-20 at the Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance (701 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte) with FLIP, a bold and playful program curated by Charlotte Ballet’s professional dancers.The lines between performer and piece become blurred as the stage transforms into the artists’ canvas. Subscription packages for the 2025-26 Charlotte Ballet season are available now. You can even customize your selections and potentially save up to 20 percent on tickets. Visit the Charlotte Ballet website for full details.