Photo Credit Rostislav Dzabraev by Johnston Photography
- ...exquisite combination of techniques ... the tradition of the Bolshoi, the spirit of jazz and the sensuality of modern dance in a first class spectacle.
- La Nacion, Costa Rica
- Dance Alive! is a highly qualified dance/ballet company. The choreography, sets, and costumes wereall very professional and the dancers were superb. We cannot wait to have them back.
- Sharon Engle, Assistant Manager - Sunrise Theatre
- Dance Alive! is an excellent small ballet company. They are technically proficient, perform with passion and energy and the production aspects are superior. They are also excellent with our local children and very easy to work with. I would definitely have
them back.
- Danny Weathers, Artistic Director - Founders’ Society , Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center
DANCE ALIVE NATIONAL BALLET is a radiant jewel of a company. Featuring an international roster of technically brilliant and entertaining dancers in an array of choreography that uplifts and astounds its audiences, the company brings to the stage truly riveting dance. Hailing from Russia to Hong Kong to Brazil, these exceptional dancers, many of whom have won international competitions, leap and spin into their audiences hearts. Standing ovations are the norm. Unique in the international touring community, it is that rare classical ballet troupe that is small enough to fit most stages and budgets. As a result Dance Alive National Ballet has an astounding rate of return engagements.
Dance Alive National Ballet's repertoire ranges from the classics such as the bravura pas de deux from "Don Quixote" to the great George Balanchine's neo-classical masterpiece "Apollo" to the other end of the dance spectrum with Cirque du Soleil's Rick Tjia's contemporary look at the complex relationship between horse and master in his electrifying "Aeia Bridled". Throughout this choreographic tapestry are woven the ballets of Artistic Director Kim Tuttle and Choreographer-in-residence Judy Skinner, masters of their art who particularly enjoy creating original ballets on the dancers.
Led by Artistic Director, Kim Tuttle, highly respected choreographer, the company vision is clear and vital. Ms. Tuttle was formerly on the staff of the Stuttgart Ballet and Ballet Master of the Zurich Ballet before taking the reins of Dance Alive National Ballet as its Artistic Director in 1986 and bringing it to its position of national prominence. During her tenure, Dance Alive National Ballet has toured 17 states and Costa Rica under the auspices of the National Endowment for the Arts, Southern Arts Federation, Allied Concert Services, the Florida Department of State, and Siegel Artist Management. The company has the sole distinction of being named the State Touring Company of Florida for 33 years consecutively. Their long-time touring experience insures an efficient and professional theatre experience for their sponsors.
Joining her as choreographer-in-residence is Judy Skinner, a gifted and prolific choreographer who is also the Director of Grants and Arts Education for the company. Ms. Skinner is indisputably part of the team that creates the company style and general direction. Dance Alive National Ballet has a strong educational component, directed by Judy Skinner. The company, committed to spreading the word, offers dance through school performances, residencies and lecture-demonstrations with first-rate programming and curriculum materials. An example of the success of the program is demonstrated by Duval Elementary School, a local school that went from an F classification to an A with the introduction of dance to its curriculum.
The 12 dancers of Dance Alive National Ballet have a non-stop energy and love for dance that is at the source of the company's undeniable success. Elegant, exciting, dramatic, virtuosic, and reveling in the pure beauty of their art, they ARE dance. Whether performing in the exciting BALLET SPECTACULAR, the family favorite THE NUTCRACKER, the children's ballet, LADY BUG: ACTION HERO, they are 100% committed to bringing the best they, and dance, have to offer. Along with a committed staff and Board of Trustees, the future of Dance Alive National Ballet is bright and secure. Dance Alive National Ballet is based in Gainesville, FL., home of the University of Florida.
Dance Alive National Ballet is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
