There are some months when you pick your show. And then there are months like this one, when the Cincinnati Ballet basically says, why choose?

On one end, you’ve got something bold, creative, and a little unexpected. On the other, a full-on family experience that feels just as much like an event as it does a performance.

Let’s break it down.

“Director’s Vision: Liberty in Motion”

For when you want something fresh, surprising, and a little bit different

This is the kind of show that reminds you ballet isn’t just tutus and tradition.

“Director’s Vision” is a patriotic triple bill that closes out the main company season at the Aronoff Center, and it’s built to show the range of the dancers, and of what ballet can be.

You’ve got three very different works sharing one stage:

Justin Peck’s “The Times Are Racing”
This one leans all the way into contemporary energy. Set to an electronic score by Dan Deacon, it pulls from a mix of dance styles and has a youthful, rebellious feel. And yes, the dancers are in sneakers. Vans, specifically.

Claudia Schreier’s “First Impulse”
A neoclassical piece that blends traditional ballet lines with more modern movement. It’s sleek, athletic, and emotionally driven, the kind of work that shows off both precision and power.

George Balanchine’s “Serenade”
And then there’s the classic. “Serenade” is one of the most beloved ballets of all time and a true milestone in dance history. It was the first original ballet Balanchine created in America, and it still feels timeless. If you’ve never seen it live, this is your moment.

What makes this program so compelling is the contrast. You go from sneakers and electronic music to one of the most iconic classical works ever staged, all in the same evening.

“Pinocchio”

For when you want a fun family outing

Pinocchio is everything you want in a family performance: a familiar story, colorful characters and just the right amount of heart. “Pinocchio” goes on a series of adventures, encountering characters like Geppetto, the Blue Fairy and the Fox and Cat, and learning lessons about honesty and love along the way.

The performance is narrated and runs about an hour, with no intermission. That alone is a win for parents.

But here’s what really sets this one apart:

It magic starts before you even take your seat. The lobby opens an hour early and is all a part of the experience. The Aronoff lobby turns into a carnival, with something happening on every level before the show:

Orchestra level:
Photo opportunities alongside costume displays, plus a sensory-friendly station where children can touch and explore fabric samples that match the costumes on display. There’s also a hands-on prop-matching activity that lets kids connect what they see before the show to what they’ll see on stage.

Loge level:
Craft stations where kids can make a Pinocchio-style hat, create a clothespin Jiminy Cricket and decorate their own whale.

Balcony level:
A puppet show every 15 minutes, interactive games, and a Magic Mirror photo booth.

This means your whole crew will begin experiencing the wonder of ballet the moment you walk in the door.

This is one of those moments where you can see exactly what makes a company like Cincinnati Ballet special.

One program pushes boundaries, mixes styles and reminds you that ballet can feel modern and a little unexpected. The other leans into story, tradition and fun, and turns a night at the theater into a full experience for families.

You don’t have to be a longtime ballet fan to find your way in here. You just have to pick what kind of experience you’re in the mood for. Or better yet, see both and get the full picture.

Pas de Deux

Small Wonder