Memphis moves with soul—and nowhere is that more visible than in our thriving dance community. From classical ballet to contemporary companies, youth ensembles to national touring productions, dance in Memphis is a year-round celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.
This holiday season, Memphis stages are alive with unforgettable performances perfect for gifting and gathering. Whether you’re planning a festive family outing, looking for a meaningful gift, or wanting to support local dance organizations through memberships or donations, there are countless ways to let dance inspire your season.
Below, explore upcoming holiday productions along with a look ahead at 2026’s dance highlights. This year, give the gift of movement, magic, and Memphis.
✨ 2025 Holiday Dance Performances
Nutcracker: Land of Enchanted Sweets
Buckman Performing Arts Center
December 5–7, 2025
- Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $25 adults | $20 students
A fresh, family-friendly interpretation of the beloved holiday tale. The dancers of the Buckman Dance Conservatory bring Clara’s dreamworld to life with youthful energy, stunning choreography, and the timeless music of Tchaikovsky. A perfect outing for all ages.
Tennessee Ballet Theater Presents: Clara & The Nutcracker
Michael D. Rose Theater (UofM)
Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $35–$65
This charming retelling features classically trained youth dancers in principal roles paired with professional artists from Tennessee Ballet Theater. From the elegant Christmas party scene to the magical Kingdom of Sweets, this Memphis treasure invites audiences into Clara’s 1700s world with grace, heart, and incredible talent.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Memphis
December 12–14, 2025
Orpheum Theatre
A beloved Memphis tradition returns to the Orpheum with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live. Ballet Memphis offers a vibrant, reimagined take on the classic, filled with stunning costumes, imaginative sets, and a message that brings our community together year after year.
The Nutcracker – Esprit de Corps Dance Company
Dec. 13 & 14, 2025
Bartlett Performing Arts Center
Esprit de Corps brings whimsy, magic, and mischief to the stage as Clara journeys through enchanting lands and faces off against the mischievous Mouse King. With beloved characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy and Herr Drosselmeyer, this lively production is perfect for introducing young audiences to the magic of ballet.
Beyond the Stars: A Madonna Christmas Story
Germantown Performing Arts Center
December 17 & 18, 2025
A heartwarming annual tradition from the students of Madonna Learning Center. This year’s original musical takes audiences to the whimsical world of Tinseltown, where a community searches for the brightest star—ultimately discovering the true meaning of Christmas. A moving celebration of faith, joy, and community spirit.
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracke
December 24, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Celebrate Christmas Eve with a world-class, visually stunning production featuring 40 professional dancers, 150 hand-sewn costumes, and breathtaking sets. Follow Marie and her Nutcracker Prince through swirling snowflakes, mischievous mice, and the dazzling Kingdom of Sweets.
Duration: 1 hr 40 min (20-minute intermission)
Audience: Ages 2+
Learn more at the World Ballet Company website.
💝 Give the Gift of Dance This Season
Dance is an experience—one that stays with you long after the curtain closes. This holiday season, consider supporting Memphis’ dance community through:
🎁 Giftable Tickets
Choose from any of the shows above or browse seasonal and 2025 productions from Ballet Memphis, New Ballet Ensemble, Collage Dance Collective, Tennessee Ballet Theater, and more. A performance ticket is a meaningful, memorable gift for families, friends, or coworkers.
💛 Donations With Impact
Local dance organizations rely on community support to provide scholarships, youth programming, workshops, school residencies, and professional productions. A year-end donation helps sustain the arts that make Memphis vibrant.
💳 Memberships & Season Subscriptions
Many companies offer memberships or season packages that include:
- Premier seating
- Behind-the-scenes access
- Invitations to rehearsals or member events
- Discounts on classes or performances
It’s the perfect gift that keeps giving throughout the year.
To explore year-round programming, donor opportunities, and subscription options from Memphis’ major dance organizations, visit dancememphis.org.
🌟 2026 Dance Highlights to Look Forward To
Memphis’ 2026 dance season promises innovation, collaboration, and world-class artistry. Here’s a glimpse at what’s ahead:
Wintermix — Ballet Memphis
February 13 & 14, 2026
Ballet Memphis’ annual signature repertory event returns with an evening of original works that explore storytelling across movement, form, and imagination.
This year’s program features:
- Fingers of Your Thoughts by Julia Adam — a beloved 2009 commission using hands as metaphor to explore the stages of life, paired with inventive props, music, and text.
- A new work from Company Dancer Emilia Sandoval, who continues to expand her choreographic voice through poetry and spoken word.
- A fresh piece by Artistic Director Steven McMahon, inspired by the foundational Greek myths that shaped Western literature and art.
A night of innovation, narrative, and artistry—Wintermix remains one of the season’s most anticipated showcases.
Collage Dance Presents: RISE 2026
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
2:30 PM (CST)
A homecoming that celebrates legacy, joy, and collective strength, RISE brings together powerful world premieres, Memphis debuts, and Collage’s signature storytelling rooted in Black identity and resilience.
Highlights include:
- The Cotillion, a vibrant new ballet inspired by the history and elegance of Black cotillion traditions in the American South.
- Flack, set to the soulful music of Roberta Flack.
- Rise, Thomas’s neoclassical work set to Dr. King’s Mountaintop speech.
Featuring Collage’s professional company artists alongside talented youth of the Collage Dance Conservatory, RISE becomes not just a performance—but a generational passing of the torch.
Back to the Future: The Musical
March 3–8, 2026
Orpheum Theatre
Winner of multiple international awards, this high-energy musical adaptation brings Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and the iconic DeLorean to the stage with heart, humor, and cinematic nostalgia.
Featuring beloved songs like “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode,” plus new music from Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, this production is a can’t-miss event for dancers, musical lovers, and ’80s fans alike.
Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
Buckman Performing Arts Center
7:00–8:30 PM (CDT)
With heart-pounding live music and passionate movement, Flamenco Vivo brings the fire of Spanish dance to Memphis. This nationally acclaimed touring company honors flamenco’s rich heritage through emotionally charged storytelling, virtuosic technique, and bold, expressive choreography.
Brazil By Night — Collage Dance Collective x Iris Collective
March 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM (CDT)
An immersive Brazilian-themed evening featuring world-class dance, live music, authentic cuisine, cocktails, and culture.
Experience:
- Performances by Collage’s international touring company
- A special Bossa Nova set
- A lively samba party to close the night
This VIP celebration is intimate, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Emerge: New Student Dance Works — University of Memphis
April 3 & 4, 2026
Bold, fresh, and forward-thinking—Emerge showcases new works from UofM student choreographers supported by collaborative designers in lighting, costuming, sound, and technical arts. This annual concert highlights the rising talent shaping Memphis’ next generation of dance artists.
Collage Dance: BECOMING Spring Jazz Gala
April 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM (CDT)
An elegant afternoon gala that blends live music, world-class dance, and stunning performances by Collage Dance Collective and Conservatory students.
Guests enjoy:
- A gourmet brunch
- Signature cocktails
- Inspiring conversations with arts leaders and supporters
Proceeds support arts education, youth programming, and expanded opportunities for Memphis-area students.
No matter the month, dance takes center stage in Memphis.
🎄 This Holiday Season, Share the Magic of Memphis Dance
Whether you’re attending a Christmas classic, gifting an unforgettable experience, or supporting a local company you love, dance offers a meaningful way to connect with the people and the culture that make our city special.
This year, give the gift of movement, imagination, and Memphis soul.
