As the 2026-27 dance season begins, TABLE contributor Karen Dacko celebrates the commitment of Pittsburgh’s artists to the region, highlights notable upcoming events, and offers a few must-see dance shows.
A Calendar of Must-See Dance Shows in Pittsburgh 2026
OPEN and SECOND SATURDAYS at The Space Upstairs
June 6 and September 12, The Space Upstairs
In 2006 choreographer Jaka Zakajinn’s short-term venue search morphed into a long-term commitment to a warehouse loft that “felt like home,” says the native Californian. The retro art lounge is now one of Pittsburgh’s hidden gems and at its 20-year milestone, Zakajinn foresees it as a jazz-driven destination spot. Regular offerings include OPEN, an experimental open house as well as SECOND SATURDAYS, featuring guest jazz musicians plus Zakajinn’s improvisational post-modern jazz dance troupe, The Pillow Project.
The Pittsburgh Dance Festival
June 26-27, Charity Randall Theatre
Dancer Anthony Alterio’s performing career crisscrossed the U.S.A. but his heart was at home in Pittsburgh. Last year the Ohio University assistant professor – with zero budget – launched the all-Pittsburgh staffed Pittsburgh Dance Workshop. The unique six-day summer intensive culminates with The Pittsburgh Dance Festival, a two-night performance series featuring Pittsburgh’s established professional dance troupes. Among this year’s participants are Maria Caruso’s Bodiography, Pearl Arts | Movement & Sound, Shana Simmons Dance, and Get Down Gang.
Divergence
July 10-12, Texture Contemporary Ballet at New Hazlett Theater
Following a successful performing career with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Alan Obuzor launched Texture Contemporary Ballet in July 2011. “There was a wealth of dancers here, trained at PBT School and Point Park, who were eager to work. I felt fulfilled,” says the Pittsburgh native. For Divergence, a showcase designed to “break away from the familiar,” Obuzor premieres a large ensemble work that translates a thematic concept into physical movement. “I’ve never done that before,” he says.
Allegheny County Summer Concert Series: The Tamburitzans and Ballet Under the Stars
August 21 (South Park), August 23 (Hartwood Acres Amphitheater)
Wondering “How-to-Pittsburgh” post the proscenium dance season? Head to South Park and Hartwood Acres with lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and blankets for the free Allegheny County Summer Concert Series performances by The Tamburitzans and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, respectively. The multicultural “Tammies,” (now celebrating 90 years!) transport audiences on a two-hour international tour via folk dance, traditional songs, and live music. PBT’s annual mixed bill showcases classical and contemporary ballet excerpts, previews, and possibly a pièce d’occasion or two.
The Pittsburgh Dance Council Series Presents Jesse Factor: The MetaMarthasis
September 10-12, Greer Cabaret Theater
Award-winning performer Jesse Factor plumbs the Martha Graham mystique with The MetaMarthasis, his third take on the modern dance pioneer. Although the Sharon, PA native never met the Pittsburgh-born dance doyenne, his career is steeped in the technique, performance, and repertoire of the Graham school and companies — experiences which facilitated his drag impersonation of her. The 50-minute intimate cabaret show repurposes elements from his earlier Madonna-infused solo The MarthaOdyssey but promises some surprise guests.
The Pittsburgh Dance Council Series Presents Pilobolus
October 10, Byham Theater
Pittsburgh loves Pilobolus. The Connecticut-based collaborative, known for daring athleticism, arresting visual imagery, and shapeshifting physicality was co-founded by the late Jonathan Wolken, a Pittsburgh native who drew on the word “Pilobolus” from his father’s research subject. The must see performance features TRIPS, an evening length “shifting experience” of select repertory works. Additionally, veteran Pils are staging an existing work on Point Park University dancers for the student company’s upcoming Contemporary Choreographers concert.
The Nutcracker
December 4-27, Benedum Center
Time travel to the Stahlbaum’s Shadyside mansion for one last opportunity to celebrate “How-to-Pittsburgh” in 1906 style. A two-act Nutcracker ballet has been a Pittsburgh staple since 1968, but choreographer Terrence S. Orr’s 2002 production was the first to accent the tale of Marie’s fantastic journey with local color – a larger-than-life Kaufmann’s storybook, a blizzard at the Point, and a Kennywood-inspired carousel. Catch the magic before this production’s final curtain. Next year will be an all-new adventure.
Story by Karen Dacko
Featured Photo Courtesy of The Space Upstairs
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