A FRESH MIX: Ethan Stiefel’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” returns to American Repertory Ballet this season, along with classical and contemporary works by several choreographers.

American Repertory Ballet (ARB) has designed its 2023-2024 season to expand the company’s artistic boundaries and introduce new dance and music. The company opens with performances at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) October 13-15.

“ARB’s artists and programming together create exceptional experiences unlike the repertoire that others are presenting. We do this not simply to be different, but because this is how we as an organization believe that we can contribute to our communities and beyond, as well as towards the broader context of the art form,” said Stiefel. “We’ve placed an emphasis on showcasing new work and a dynamic range of talent while also exhibiting a true commitment to advancing classical ballet. Our 2023-2024 season will continue to further and freshly evolve both ourselves and our art.”

Elevate, a program of three new-fashioned ballet and contemporary works, opens the season at NBPAC. Included are a new creation by dance influencer and artist Stephanie Martinez; a world premiere by Philadelphia-based choreographer Meredith Rainey, featuring new music commissioned by Miranda Scripp; and the return of Stiefel’s Wood Work, set to modern renditions of Nordic folk tunes by the Danish String Quartet.

The Nutcracker is scheduled for performances at McCarter Theatre November 24-26, Two River Theatre in Red Bank December 1-3, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton December 9, and State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick December 15-17. Excerpts from Swan Lake Act II and Sleeping Beauty Act III are on the program at NBPAC, March 8-10, and the return of Stiefel’s one-act A Midsummer Night’s Dream is May 10-12, 2024 at the NBPAC.

Tickets go on sale August 21, 2023 at arballet.org.