MONTGOMERY, AL — May 8, 2026 — After nearly seven decades of resilience and community support, Montgomery Ballet proudly announces the grand opening of its permanent home — the first owned facility in the company’s history since its founding in 1958. The former Dixie Cleaners building at 104 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36109, has been transformed into a vibrant arts hub featuring two fully equipped studios, a dedicated costume shop, and an intimate black box theater. To celebrate, the Ballet will present a special series of FREE performances for the public.
“This isn’t just a gift to Montgomery Ballet. It’s a gift to the entire community,” said Artistic-Executive DirectorDionysios “Danny” Mitsios. “Owning our space allows us to dream bigger, serve more people, and build a sustainable future for ballet in Central Alabama. We are thrilled to open our doors and invite everyone to experience dance in our new home.”
Dance Lives Here
Montgomery Ballet’s artists live, work, and put down roots in the River Region. They contribute to the local economy, enrich cultural diversity, and bring life to the community year-round — not just for a single show. The company tours regionally to Selma, Greenville, Pike Road, and provides dance education to students at Tuskegee Public School, extending its impact across Central Alabama.
A Journey of Perseverance Culminating in a Historic Milestone
The path to this permanent home involved determination through multiple transitions. After leaving its longtime space in 2022, the Ballet found temporary homes with the support of community partners including Lee Wilcoxon, Julie Byrd, and the Junior League. In 2024, a transitional space in Eastbrook Shopping Center helped bridge the gap. Now, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Bubba Dean, the vision becomes reality.
Architectural guidance began with Andy Bozeman (who assisted with initial designs for grant applications), with final designs completed by PWBA. Renovations created a purpose-built facility for rehearsals, classes, productions, and community events. Phase One includes the studios, costume shop, and black box theater, with plans to expand into a broader arts hub serving the region.
The Montgomery Ballet extends deep gratitude to all who made this possible, including major donations and support from: Sabel Steel, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Shamrock Electric, GrayBar, Danielle and Associates, LifeHouse, Vicki’s Lunch Van, John Lee Paint, Montgomery County Commissioners Carmen Moore-Zeigler and Justin M. Castanza, Montgomery City Council members Julie Beard and Charles W. Jinright, Poarch Creek Indians, Hyundai Motors, Column 13, Chris Searcy with Fresh Anointing, Mobis Foundation, and many more generous donors. Special thanks to the dedicated volunteers whose hard work significantly reduced renovation expenses.
Free Opening Performances – Limited Seating, Reservations Recommended
All performances are FREE and begin at 7:00 PM at the new home, 104 Coliseum Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36109. Seating is limited, so the Ballet strongly encourages reserving tickets online in advance. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
Performance Schedule:
- Friday, May 8 The Fairy Doll Ballet and Lights
- Saturday, May 9 Ocean and Pearls (excerpt from The Little Humpbacked Horse), La Vivandière, and Lights
About the Works:
- The Fairy Doll Ballet (1903) – A charming classic showcasing technical brilliance and whimsy.
- Ocean and Pearls – An excerpt from the Grand Ballet The Little Humpbacked Horse (music by Cesare Pugni, original choreography by Arthur Saint-Léon, later revived by Marius Petipa).
- La Vivandière (or Markitenka) – A lively one-act ballet showcasing virtuosic pas de deux and spirited character dance.
- Lights – Created by Artistic-Executive Director Danny Mitsios, curated by Jake Pugh, and premiered in 2023. Set to electronic music, this contemporary piece explores contrast and visibility: “In a lit room you don’t see the one darkness, but in a dark room you see the one light.” The company is excited to revive this beloved work.
These performances mark the public debut of the new black box theater and studios, showcasing the results of the renovations while highlighting the company’s dedication to excellence and accessibility.
Montgomery Ballet invites the entire community to join in this historic celebration. For reservations and more information, visit the Montgomery Ballet website or contact the company directly.
About Montgomery Ballet Montgomery Ballet is Central Alabama’s premier professional ballet company, dedicated to performance excellence, education, and community engagement since 1958. With the motto “Dance Lives Here,” the company fosters a vibrant, resident artist community that enriches the cultural life of the River Region and beyond.
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