The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Overview

A cinematic new dance-theater experience is launching what will become Indianapolis’ newest fall tradition. Dance Kaleidoscope has announced the world premiere work, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, to launch its 55th Anniversary 2026/2027 Season signaling a bold new chapter for the company.

Acclaimed choreographer Joshua L. Peugh's work is far from a traditional retelling. The classic is envisioned as a fully immersive evening of dance and theatrical storytelling — a large-scale artistic collaboration designed to transform McGowan Hall into a haunting and cinematic world inspired by Washington Irving’s classic tale.

Far from the confines of a traditional proscenium theater, McGowan Hall creates an immersive setting that brings the production—and the audience—into the heart of the story.

Joshua L. Peugh, the choreographer and director, has been commissioned to create over 60 new works including Macbeth for Ballet Memphis, My Dear Watson for Saint Louis Dance Theatre, Sweeny Todd for Boston Dance Theater, the Tempest for Newport Contemporary Ballet and Romeo and Juliet for Verb Ballets.

The production brings together an exceptional creative team with nationally recognized credentials across dance, theater, music, lighting, and production design. Scenic designer William Boles, costume designer Elizabeth Bourgeois, composer Brandon Carson and Dance Kaleidoscope’s Laura E. Glover join forces with Monkey Boy Productions, creators of the production’s larger-than-life horse, to create an experience unlike anything currently on Indianapolis stages.

“This production represents the scale of artistic ambition we believe Indianapolis audiences are ready for, ” said Dance Kaleidoscope Christel DeHaan Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter. “The caliber of artists collaborating on this project is extraordinary, and together they are building an immersive theatrical experience that reaches beyond dance alone. We know audiences will embrace Sleepy Hollow as Indianapolis’ newest annual fall tradition.

”The Sleepy Hollow experience begins before the curtain rises. Dance Kaleidoscope invites the public behind the scenes with a free Open Rehearsal on August 26 from noon–1 pm, offering a first look at the production as it takes shape in the studio.

On September 16, audiences can go deeper at Conversations & Cocktails with choreographer Joshua L. Peugh at Dance Kaleidoscope Studios. And when Sleepy Hollow arrives at McGowan Hall, the experience continues beyond the performance. Ticket holders can visit the Sleepy Hollow Tavern in the basement of McGowan Hall, featuring a full bar and signature cocktails inspired by the production.