Feb 22, 2026 2 min read

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “America 250” opens Friday

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT)’s “America 250” opens Friday at the Benedum Center.

This mixed repertory production is an ode to America’s 250th anniversary. The family-friendly program includes four classical and contemporary Americana-themed ballets that honor the American spirit. The works will be accompanied by live music from the PBT Orchestra.

The program includes:

-“Company B” captures the optimistic spirit of 1940s America amid the sobering shadow of World War II. Choreographed by Paul Taylor, it is set to popular music by the Andrews Sisters from the 1940s, “Company B” blends jitterbug, jazz and an athletic modern dance style, making it both a unique challenge for the dancers and an audience favorite.

-“Stars and Stripes Pas de Deux” is a patriotic, classical ballet choreographed by George Balanchine as a tribute to his adopted country of America. Balanchine is often credited as the “Father of American Ballet” for his influence and for developing his distinct neoclassical style, which swept the ballet world. It is set to a buoyant march by John Philip Sousa.

-“Three Preludes” is an internationally award-winning work created by Ben Stevenson in 1969 and is performed to selections of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Preludes.” This romantic pas de deux centers on two dancers who fall in love while working at a dance studio. The three movements develop in both speed and intensity as the dancers’ emotions evolve into passion.

-“The Mighty Casey” was created by choreographer Lisa de Ribere as an original ballet for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in 1990. Told in flashback, the story depicts Casey, who famously struck out in Mudville in 1888, redeeming himself 20 years later. The ballet about America’s favorite pastime features music from John Philip Sousa and Stephen Foster.

Showtimes are Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m; and Sunday at 2 p.m. For information, go online to pbt.org or call 412-456-6666.