Orlando Ballet at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts' Walt Disney Theater.
Despite humble beginnings, the Orlando Ballet came to life in 1974.
Initially all of the dancers were unpaid and the operating budget was almost zero, the ballet struggled to get any recognition.
The struggle eventually paid off.
Today, the Orlando Ballet is the only fully residential and professional company in Central Florida.
They have recently moved into a new home at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts' Walt Disney Theater.
Along with the announcement of their move is more exciting, all of the 2015-2016 main stage performances will include live music.
A partnership with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Central Florida Community Arts are making this possible.
Robert Hill
The current Artistic Director, since 2009, is Robert Hill, who has been in this role since 2009, former dancer and teacher with the American Ballet Theater, Royal Ballet, Covent Garden and New York City Ballet.
As a lifelong creative, Hill writes and stages his own dances, as well as re-interprets and updates those of respected masters.
Hill hopes to recapture an interest in ballet by making dance more relevant to audiences.
No surprise, Hill was voted one of the “100 Most Influential People in Florida”.
Accreditation
The Orlando Ballet School is an internationally recognized ballet school.
With three Central Florida locations, the Ballet School has been given “outstanding school” designation three times by the Youth America Grand Prix judges at New York competition finals.
The Orlando Ballet School is the only ballet school accredited in the Southeast.
Former pupils are dancing in many established companies, including the American Ballet, New York Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and more.
The more than 1200 students, some as young three years old, come from all over the world.
The current season includes new works by Robert Hill; some edgy and outlandish, some devoted to unrequited love.
Attendees of all ages can enjoy everything from Beauty & the Beast, Giselle or The Nutcracker.
The season begins in October and continues through May.
orlandoballet.org
1111 N. Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32804
(321) 418-7632
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