Where can I see ballet in Cary, NC?

Carolina Ballet performs at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh, just 15 minutes from Cary. We're the Triangle region's premier professional ballet company, serving Cary residents with world-class performances including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and contemporary works.

Is there a ballet company in Durham?

Carolina Ballet serves the entire Triangle region including Durham. Our performances at the Martin Marietta Center in Raleigh are easily accessible from Durham, approximately 20-25 minutes away. Durham audiences have made Carolina Ballet a beloved cultural tradition.

Where can I see The Nutcracker in Cary?

Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker annually at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, conveniently located just minutes from Cary. Our production has become a cherished holiday tradition for Triangle families.

How far is Carolina Ballet from Apex?

Carolina Ballet's home theater at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is approximately 20 minutes from Apex via US-1 or I-40. Free parking is available at the center.

Where can I see ballet near Garner, NC?

Carolina Ballet performs at the Martin Marietta Center in downtown Raleigh, just 15 minutes from Garner. We're the Triangle's professional ballet company, presenting classical and contemporary works throughout the season.

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About Us

Welcome to Carolina Ballet

Carolina Ballet is the Triangle’s premier professional ballet company, bringing the timeless artistry of classical ballet and the excitement of contemporary choreography to audiences throughout the region. From our home at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh, we’ve been creating unforgettable experiences for generations of families and ballet enthusiasts.

Whether you’re joining us from Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, or Garner, attending a Carolina Ballet performance is more than just an evening out—it’s a celebration of artistry, community, and the transformative power of live performance. Our season features everything from beloved holiday traditions to bold new works, with each production showcasing the extraordinary talent of our professional dancers.

Your Home for Ballet in the Triangle

Since our founding as a professional company in 1998, Carolina Ballet has proudly served audiences across the Triangle region. We’ve grown from 16 dancers to 52 professional artists, but our commitment has remained the same: to make world-class ballet accessible and meaningful to our entire community.

Convenient Access from Across the Region

The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is centrally located in downtown Raleigh, making it easy to reach from every corner of the Triangle. Whether you’re coming from nearby Cary (just 15 minutes away), Durham (20-25 minutes), Apex (20 minutes via US-1), Garner (15 minutes via US-70), or Chapel Hill (30-35 minutes via I-40), you’ll find our theater welcomes you with ample free parking and a beautiful, accessible venue.

Our location in the heart of Raleigh’s downtown also offers wonderful opportunities to make an evening of your visit. Arrive early to enjoy dinner at one of the many nearby restaurants, or stay after the performance to extend the magic of your experience.

The Nutcracker: A Triangle Holiday Tradition

Looking for ballet in Cary during the holidays? Searching for The Nutcracker in Durham or Apex? Carolina Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has become a cherished tradition for families throughout the Triangle. Presented each December at the Martin Marietta Center, this dazzling production invites audiences into Tchaikovsky’s magical world with spellbinding choreography, exquisite costumes, and the wonder of live performance.

Families from Cary, Durham, Apex, and Garner have made Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker an annual tradition—whether you’re reviving a cherished memory or creating a new one, this production promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of a holiday classic. Every performance has live music, with the NC Symphony joining us for several performances.

Year-Round Excellence

While The Nutcracker draws thousands of Triangle residents each December, our full season offers even more opportunities to experience world-class ballet close to home. From the romance of Beauty and The Beast to innovative contemporary works, Carolina Ballet presents approximately 80 performances each season across multiple programs.

Ballet in Durham, Cary, Apex, and beyond means you have access to:

Classical masterworks by legendary choreographers
Bold new ballets by today’s most innovative creators
Pre-performance talks and special events
Student matinees and educational programs
Flexible ticket options including single tickets and season subscriptions

How to Get Here

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Box Office: 919-719-0900

From Cary: Take US-1 North or I-40 East to downtown Raleigh. Free parking available at the center and nearby garages. Approximate drive time: 15 minutes.

From Durham: Take I-40 West to downtown Raleigh exits. The theater is easily accessible from both I-40 and US-70. Approximate drive time: 20-25 minutes.

From Apex: Take US-1 North or US-64 East toward Raleigh. The Martin Marietta Center is just minutes from major highways. Approximate drive time: 20 minutes.

From Garner: Take US-70 West into downtown Raleigh. Free parking is available on-site. Approximate drive time: 15 minutes.

From Chapel Hill: Take I-40 East to downtown Raleigh. The venue is conveniently located near highway exits. Approximate drive time: 30-35 minutes.

Parking: Complimentary parking is available at the Martin Marietta Center parking deck. Additional parking can be found in nearby city garages and surface lots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What performances does Carolina Ballet offer?
Our season includes classical story ballets like Swan Lake, contemporary works by today’s leading choreographers, and our beloved annual production of The Nutcracker. We present approximately 80 performances each season, with options for single tickets, season subscriptions, and group sales.

Do you offer educational programs?
Yes! Carolina Ballet is deeply committed to arts education throughout the Triangle. Through our Dancers In Schools program, we provide hands-on ballet demonstrations to students at schools across the region. We also offer student matinees, class visits, and the School of Carolina Ballet, which provides year-round professional dance training for ages 6 and up. Financial aid is available to ensure families from all socio-economic backgrounds can participate.

Make Carolina Ballet Part of Your Tradition

For more than 25 years, Carolina Ballet has been creating magical experiences that bring our Triangle community together through the artistry of dance. Whether you’re a longtime ballet enthusiast or discovering the art form for the first time, we invite you to join us at the Martin Marietta Center for a performance that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.

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