Ballet Austin’s Fête 2025 Unveils Stephen Mills’ World Premiere of “Marie Antoinette: Vampire Queen of Versailles”

On Oct, 4, Ballet Austin hosted Fête 2025, its premiere fundraising gala, at the JW Marriott — a dazzling evening celebrating creativity, community, and 25 years of visionary leadership from Artistic Director Stephen Mills. The event raised nearly $500,000 to support Ballet Austin’s artistic programming and education initiatives, providing crucial funding during a time of nationwide arts cutbacks. Guests were treated to an evening of glamour, beginning with champagne toasts, cocktails, and a preview of Mills’ highly anticipated new work, “Marie Antoinette: Vampire Queen of Versailles”. The night unfolded with a lavish three-course dinner, a live auction featuring luxury experiences and late-night dancing to DJ Cassandra’s electrifying beats.

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Beverly Dale, Stephen Mills (photo by Ben Porter)

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Everett Plante, Mandy Plante (photo by Ben Porter)

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Tonya Allen, Cookie Ruiz, Cynthia Fresch (photo by Ben Porter)

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Shawn Sides, Graham Reynolds, Steve Adler, Dan Byrne, Darlene Byrne (photo by Ben Porter)

Coming March 2026: “Marie Antoinette: Vampire Queen of Versailles”

Building on the excitement of Fête 2025, Ballet Austin will unveil the decadent world of “Marie Antoinette: Vampire Queen of Versailles,” a bold reimagining of the legendary queen’s life coming to the Long Center March 27 – 29. Conceived and choreographed by Stephen Mills, with music by Graham Reynolds and live accompaniment from the Austin Symphony Orchestra, this world premiere is steeped in drama, luxury and allure, where desire and betrayal intertwine under the shimmering chandeliers of the French court. “Marie Antoinette: Vampire Queen of Versailles” promises to be a blend of history, fantasy and passion.

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