The Tallahassee Ballet Brings Professional Dancers to Key West
Seventeen professional dancers from The Tallahassee Ballet will travel to Key West to perform in Nutcracker Key West at the Tennessee Williams Theatre from December 3–7.
The engagement marks the first time the company’s professional dancers will tour to the Florida Keys. The performers will take on leading roles, including the Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy, as well as roles in the Snow Scene and the Party Scene’s Dolls.
Tropical Themes Replace Traditional Settings
Created in 2005, Nutcracker Key West departs from the traditional European setting to reflect the island’s specific environment. The production integrates themes from the coral reef, the underwater world, and Key West’s maritime history.
Matthew Rawls, Artistic Director of Nutcracker Key West, stated that the production celebrates the unique characteristics of the island. Rawls noted that the professional dancers from The Tallahassee Ballet provide the classical technique and versatility required to bring this specific tropical world to life alongside local artists and young performers.
Dancers Manage Two Simultaneous Productions
The engagement creates a technical challenge for the company’s artistic staff and dancers, who must prepare for two different versions of The Nutcracker at once. After the Key West performances, the troupe returns to Tallahassee for the company’s own production at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on December 19–20.
Meagan Helman, Artistic Director of The Tallahassee Ballet, said the dancers are learning different choreography, staging, costumes, and characters for each show. While the Key West production uses a visual language rooted in the island, the Tallahassee production is based on 40 years of company history and tradition.
Expanding Reach Beyond the Capital
Lauren Hernandez, CEO of The Tallahassee Ballet, described the tour as a meaningful opportunity for dancers to showcase their artistry in a new community. She stated that professional dancers need experiences on different stages and in new artistic environments to grow.
The Tallahassee Ballet, a nonprofit founded in 1972, has served Florida’s capital for over five decades. This tour serves as a demonstration of the caliber of professional artists currently working within the organization.
Tallahassee Production Marks 40th Anniversary
The company’s home production in December will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Nutcracker. The event will include four performances and two school performances, featuring a mix of current professional dancers and TTB alumni.
Common Questions About the Ballet Tour
Where can I see the professional dancers in Key West?
The performances take place at the Tennessee Williams Theatre from December 3 through December 7.
How does the Key West version differ from the traditional ballet?
Unlike the traditional version, this production is a tropical fantasy inspired by the local coral reef and maritime history of the Florida Keys.
When are the performances in Tallahassee?
The Tallahassee Ballet will perform its 40th anniversary production at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on December 19 and 20.
The company’s professional dancers will conclude their Key West engagement on December 7 before returning to prepare for the December 19 opening at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.
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