TULSA, OK – August 10, 2026 – Tulsa Ballet kicks off its 70th season with its acclaimed Creations in Studio K, a performance dedicated to creating unique works by the world’s most recognized choreographers.
This 19th edition of the series reaffirms its mission, empowering generations of audiences to embrace contemporary dance, while creating a space that involves the creativity of both dancers and dance makers. This year’s triple bill showcases the electrifying work of three world-renowned choreographers: Natasha Adorlee, Yury Yanowsky and Ma Cong.
Kicking off the program is Natasha Adorlee, an Emmy Award-winning choreographer, filmmaker, composer, and educator. Adorlee’s multi-disciplinary approach and cinematic style are sure to captivate audiences. Her new work, Salt Wives, combines richly layered choreography with an intimate exploration of the rituals we inherit, revealing how our bodies carry memory, connection and belonging long before words can.
Next, Tulsa Ballet welcomes back Yury Yanowsky, who has created works for the likes of Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and Ballet RI, where he currently serves as Artistic Director. This year, Yanowsky presents (in – TER – stiss) a piece that combines expansive choreography with a thought-provoking exploration of the spaces that separate and connect us, drawing inspiration from both the physical and metaphorical distances that shape our lives.
The evening concludes with Ma Cong, a Tulsa Ballet alum and choreographer of numerous works for companies such as Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, the National Ballet of China and more. Cong’s newest piece, Route 66, inspired by America’s Mother Road, pairs inventive, wide-ranging choreography with a series of journeys that explore movement, memory and the enduring meaning of home. A condensed version of Route 66 made its premiere at Icons & Idols last year, Tulsa Ballet’s annual fundraising gala.
“As we prepare for the 19th edition of our Creations in Studio K program, I am struggling to quantify the impact of this series on the overall growth and current stature of Tulsa Ballet. One word keeps coming to mind: colossal,” said Artistic Director Marcello Angelini. “We have created over 55 World Premieres in this space, while introducing 34 choreographers to Tulsa audiences. These works have then been performed, by both Tulsa Ballet and other major ballet companies, in the dance capitals of our country and those of the world. This is what we call shaping the course of dance with art made in Tulsa. Additionally, through the creative effort involved in creating new works, our dancers have become authentic artists.”
First Weekend Performances
Friday, Sept. 11 – 7:00pm
Saturday, Sept. 12 – 2:00pm
Saturday, Sept. 12 – 7:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 13 – 2:00pm
Second Weekend Performances
Thursday, Sept. 17 – 7:00pm
Friday, Sept. 18 – 7:00pm
Saturday, Sept. 19 – 2:00pm
Saturday, Sept. 19 – 7:00pm
Sunday, Sept. 20 – 2:00pm
For more information or interview opportunities, please contact:
Kierstin Pigg | Content Creator
918-396-5949 | Kierstin.pigg@tulsaballet.org