Disclaimer: this post is in partnership with the Orlando Ballet. We were provided with complimentary tickets. All thoughts are our own.
Since the Pandemic we realized it has been awhile since we dressed up and saw any kind of stage performance. When the Orlando Ballet invited us out to see a show we thought that was a perfect idea for a date night. We love supporting the arts and were excited to check out a local company in Orlando. Read on to learn about the Orlando Ballet, the performances we saw, and the upcoming season!
About the Orlando Ballet
The Orlando Ballet is an American professional ballet company based in Orlando, Florida. Their main performance space is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The company was founded in 1974 as the Performing Arts Company of Florida. They changed their name in 1978 to the Southern Ballet Theatre, and began performances at the Bob Carr Theatre.[1] Orlando Ballet is also known for their training program, the Orlando Ballet School. They are an affiliate of the American Ballet Theatre.
Orlando Ballet entertains, educates, and enriches through the highest quality of dance.
The Orlando Ballet performs shows at two different venues throughout the season. Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre is a more casual building for some of the smaller, more artistic shows. And the Dr. Phillips Center hosts the larger, more mainstream shows (such as the Nutcracker). We were able to see a performance at both venues and have more details on each below.
Seeing a Performance at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre
Located at 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive, Orlando, Fl 32803
Parking at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre is extremely limited. Self-parking is available on surrounding streets. You can also purchase valet parking.
Beverages and Light Snacks are available throughout the lobby prior to performances and during intermission.
This beautiful center is fairly new and serves multiple purposes. There is a performance area with auditorium with a main lobby, as well as studios for classes. This facility is also available for private events. We loved that it was situated on Lake Formosa for really nice views during pre show and intermission. Overall the vibe here is less “showy” like main event theaters and had more of an artistic school feel, which made for a intimate feel during a performance.
Outside of Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre.
The concession stand had a nice selection of snacks and drinks.
A fashionable callout to Harriett Lake, the main donor for the centre.
The lobby area was comfortable to spend time before the show.
Seeing “The Premiere Collection” by the Orlando Ballet
Our first Orlando Ballet performance was to see The Premiere Collection at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. The Premiere Collection celebrates American artistry taking Central Florida audiences on a journey through the sublime. Three notable choreographers create a unique program of three Orlando premieres. Featured works include “Lambarena”, a fusion of classical ballet and African dance by Val Caniparoli, Jessica Lang’s contemporary masterpiece “Lyric Pieces” and a beautiful and intelligent pas de deux, “Confronting Genius” by Heath Gill.
Jessica Lang’s contemporary masterpiece “Lyric Pieces” includes the dancers maneuvering eight large black accordion-like structures, creating different shapes and scenery during each section. Set to ten Edvard Grieg compositions (beautifully interpreted by pianist Angelyn Traylor), this piece will make you feel moved.
“Confronting Genius” by Heath Gill, another Orlando premiere, looks at unshackling the artist within us all.
“Lambarena” by Val Caniparoli is set to a musical blend of J.S. Bach with Traditional African music composed by Pierre Akendengue and Hughes de Courson. “Lambarena” has become another of Caniparoli’s most popular creations, a blend of classical ballet and African dance.
We loved seeing this mix of styles, starting with a more traditional Lyric Pieces. Julie loved the artistic thought behind Confronting Genius. And Lambarena had world inspired music, costumes, and moves.
The stage is an open dance floor.
The small auditorium makes for a great seat anywhere.
Seeing a Performance at the Dr. Phillips Center
Located at 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive, Orlando, Fl 32803
Parking at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre is extremely limited. Self-parking is available on surrounding streets. You can also purchase valet parking.
Beverages and Light Snacks are available throughout the lobby prior to performances and during intermission.
While we have driven by this downtown location many times this was the first time we had attended a show at the Dr. Phillips Center. The facility is huge as they can house multiple performances. The ballet we saw was in the Walt Disney Theater and the building was quite grand and beautiful, it certainly felt like a fancier date night.
The Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando.
Seeing “The Great Gatsby” by the Orlando Ballet
The Great Gatsby will transport you back to the Roaring Twenties through lavish cinematic sets, choreography by Jorden Morris and original score by Carl Davis. Mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby has a fondness for extravagant parties and beautiful women. As the sparkling façade of his world begins to slip, the solitude, fascination, and heartbreak that lies beneath is exposed. Experience the decadence of history’s most carefree decade as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s great American novel unfolds through dance.
This was a great story to adapt to ballet. The costumes were gorgeous, the sets so detailed, and the emotion came through in the dance. This was a great performance and we can’t wait to see more!
A photo opp before the show.
A program for The Great Gatsby.
The Upcoming Orlando Ballet 2022-2023 Season
While The Great Gatsby was the last show of this season, a whole collection of new shows are coming soon. We can’t wait to see some more shows in the 2022-2023 season. You can learn more about subscriptions and ticket options here.
UNCORKED
September 2022, November 2022, January 2023 | Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre
The inner workings of ballet are on rare display in the Uncorked series as dancers and choreographers take to the stage together. Featuring new works, works in progress, and an opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes process, the intimate setting at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre sets the perfect stage. The highlight of the evening is watching a piece created right before your eyes and then the chance to interact with the artistic team through a live Q&A session.
MICHAEL PINK’S DRACULA
October 20-23, 2022 | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Pulse-quickening theatrics take center stage in this heart-pounding story of seduction and sacrifice. Orlando Ballet resurrects Michael Pink’s Dracula, the gothic horror story based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Dracula’s eerie world is brought to spine-tingling life in sweeping fashion with expressive movement, thrilling music, dramatic setting, lighting, and romantic costuming. This fan-favorite is a perfect Halloween treat.
THE NUTCRACKER
December 2-18, 2022 | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Bring the entire family for the adventures of young Clara as she explores the fantasy world of the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Mother Ginger. The enchantment of Orlando Ballet’s annual favorite makes The Nutcracker a not-to-be-missed holiday tradition.
THE NUTCRACKER FAMILY & SENSORY-FRIENDLY SHOW
December 3, December 10, December 17 | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
A one-hour version of the enchanting holiday classic is specially designed for families of all ages. Patrons can expect a welcoming, supportive environment for people of all abilities to enjoy this live ballet performance. Adjustments to sound and lighting effects, including keeping the house lights dimly on, will be made.
MOULIN ROUGE® THE BALLET
February 9-12, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
The spirit of Paris and the world’s most famous cabaret, the Moulin Rouge, come to life in an evening of passion, betrayal, love, and high-energy can-can. Step into the romantic world as Jorden Morris’ original work, Moulin Rouge®The Ballet returns for a full staging. Originally presented in Orlando in 2020, a full 40 minutes has been restored so audiences can revel in the glory of the Bohemian nightlife.
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE
March 23-26, 2023 | Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre
Meet the stars of tomorrow as the Orlando Ballet Second Company comes into their own. Catch these future stars just as they prepare to take the leap into their dance careers. Joined by surprise guest artists from the company, this season’s production will feature the official premiere of emerging New York–based choreographer, Natrea Blake’s winning piece from Dance Accelerator 2.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
April 27-30, 2023 | Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
An emotional tour de force, this steamy ballet delves deep into the delicate mental state of Blanche Dubois, one of Tennessee Williams’ most enduring characters. Williams’ 1948 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama remains as shocking and relevant today, especially in this production originally conceived by choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and theater and film director Nancy Meckler. This visually stunning ballet is a provocative and mesmerizing exploration of truth, lies, memory, and desire. (This ballet contains adult themes and may not be suitable for all audiences.)
All dates and performances are subject to change without notice.
