IN THE SPOTLIGHT
‘The Phantom — Echoes of the Past’
WHAT: Andrew Lloyd Webber and flamenco aren’t two words that I would have put together, but storytelling is universal — and full of surprises. Alboreá Dance Company, based in Altamonte Springs, is drawing from the composer’s music and the rhythmic dance form to put a new spin on Gaston Leroux’s classic novel, “The Phantom of the Opera,” famously turned into a musical with Lloyd Webber’s melodramatic score. This version finds Christine trapped in the past and reliving memories of her time in the opera house. Creators Ernesto Caballero and Jenny Rios want the audience to ponder this question: How does the obsessive love in this tragic tale echo through a lifetime?
WHEN: 6 p.m. Nov. 8.
WHERE: Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando.
INFO: drphillipscenter.org
YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
CENTRAL FLORIDA BALLET
The organization, which hosts the annual World Ballet Competition, performs in various locations. More information: centralfloridaballet.com
A CHRISTMAS NUTCRACKER TALE: Nov. 19-20, in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. Pyrotechnics, fiber-optic technology and twirling aerialists add to the pizazz of the classic holiday story of a little girl who visits a magical land.
WORLD BALLET COMPETITION: June 22-26, 2027. Watch more than 200 competitors from 25 countries in their daily performances as they vie for scholarships and cash prizes. An Olympics-style system reveals their scores from the five judges. It’s free to attend, though a $10 donation is suggested.
ALL-STARS OF DANCE: June 26, 2027. This one-night-only evening of dance stars international competition winners and guest performers.
Central Florida Ballet presents its annual “A Christmas Nutcracker Tale” in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. (Courtesy Michael Cairns Photography)
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
See the Central Florida Ballet, Flamenco del Sol and Orlando Ballet listings for other dance events at the downtown arts center. The Dr. Phillips Center is at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org
PRIDE — THE RHYTHM OF THE CHOSEN HEARTS: Sept. 26, in the Pugh Theater. Presented by Raymi Dance School in collaboration with Inez Patricia Dance, this production celebrates the universal language of dance.
THE PHANTOM — ECHOES OF THE PAST: Nov. 8, in the Pugh Theater. Drawing from flamenco rhythms and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Alboreá Dance Company retells Gaston Leroux’s classic novel “The Phantom of the Opera” in a way that acknowledges an impossible love story.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS: Jan. 2, 2027, in Steinmetz Hall. The United European Ballet company tells the classic fairy tale through dance.
ALVIN AILEY’S AMERICAN DANCE THEATER: March 16-17, 2027, in Steinmetz Hall. The groundbreaking New York City troupe will present works from its repertoire, including the beloved “Revelations.”
Allen J. Schaben/TNS
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater will bring “Revelations” back to Orlando. (Allen J. Schaben/TNS)
EMOTIONS DANCE
The professional contemporary-dance company, led by artistic director Larissa Humiston, performs at the ME Theatre, 1300 La Quinta Drive, No. 3, in Orlando. More information: 407-788-1659 or EmotionsDance.org
ART IN MOTION: Nov. 7-8. In collaboration with SGP Movement Dance Company, this performance brings works of art to life through a blend of ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary dance.
EMOTIONS IN MOTION — 20 YEARS OF DANCE: April 3-4, 2027. A 20th-anniversary performance featuring works from the company’s repertoire alongside new creations.
ME DANCE
The company, led by Marshall Ellis, performs at the ME Theatre, 1300 La Quinta Drive, No. 3, in Orlando. More information: marshallellisdanceschool.com/events
HALL-O-ME — FEAR: Oct. 23-24. The company teams with students for a Halloween-themed production.
CHEER ME ON — MERRY MOVES & HOLIDAY GROOVES: Dec. 10. Seasonal fun with the company and students.
IDANCEORLANDO FESTIVAL: April 24, 2027. The annual cooperative showcase celebrates local dancers, choreographers and companies in Central Florida.
15: April 30-May 1, 2027. An anniversary celebration.
ORLANDO BALLET
Mainstage performances are at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: Orlandoballet.org
Mainstage
THE SLEEPING BEAUTY: Oct. 15-18. Christopher Stowell (2025’s “Giselle” and “Swan Lake”) choreographs the classic fairy tale of Princess Aurora, who in the ballet version is cursed by the vengeful Carabosse. But with the help of the Lilac Fairy, Prince Florimund and true love’s kiss, everything leads to a grand happily ever after. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will provide the music.
THE NUTCRACKER: Dec. 4-27. Artistic director Jorden Morris’s version of the ballet staple returns with battles, falling snow and the magic of the holidays. After receiving a mysterious nutcracker on Christmas Eve, young Clara embarks on an enchanted journey, fighting the Mouse King and making new friends, including the Sugar Plum Fairy.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND: Feb. 11-14, 2027. A White Rabbit, who’s always running late, leads young Alice into a whimsical world in this ballet adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s madcap adventure. Kenneth Tindall, whose “Casanova” and “Carmen” have been presented by Orlando Ballet, also choreographed this work.
DIRECTOR’S COLLECTION: PAQUITA, MIROIRS, DEVERELL: April 2-4, 2027. This mixed program features three distinctive ballets designed to display the range of the company dancers.
MOULIN ROUGE — THE BALLET: May 6-9, 2027. Crowd-pleaser “Moulin Rouge” returns after last being staged in 2023. In Jorden Morris’s telling of the tale of passion and jealousy, laundress Nathalie lands a job at the famed Parisian nightclub, run by the enigmatic Zidler. But will it cost her the chance to experience true love? Featuring a fierce can-can competition, “Moulin Rouge” celebrates love, art and freedom.
Orlando Ballet will revive Jorden Morris’s production of “Moulin Rouge.” (Courtesy Michael Cairns Photography)
Other events
UNCORKED: Sept. 25, 2026, and Jan. 22 and March 12, 2027, at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, 600 N. Lake Formosa Drive in Orlando. “Uncorked” evenings provide a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at ballet and the creative process.
BALLET BALL: April 10, 2027. The organization’s annual gala will take place at the Four Seasons Resort, 10100 Dream Tree Blvd. in Lake Buena Vista.
ORLANDO COMMUNITY ARTS
The organization presents its holiday show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: clareandthechocolatenutcracker.com
CLARE AND THE CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER: Nov. 28. The traditional “Nutcracker” gets an African-American twist from Beverly Page in this bold and multicultural reimagining that incorporates jazz, soul and contemporary music and dance.
RITZ THEATER
The theater, at 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford, hosts touring concerts, children’s productions, plays and other events. See other dance events at the theater under the Flamenco del Sol listing above. More information: 407-321-8111 or ritztheatersanford.com
WE CALL IT BALLET — SLEEPING BEAUTY IN A DAZZLING LIGHT SHOW: Oct. 25 and Dec. 12, 2026; Feb. 13, 2027. Dancers illuminate the stage in glow-in-the-dark costumes to tell the classic fairy tale.
NUTTY NUTCRACKER: Nov. 20-21. Dancers from Xtreme Dance Studio raise money for Base Camp, a local organization helping families battling cancer, while presenting a comic twist on the holiday story of Clara’s adventures with a magical nutcracker.
FLAMENCO DEL SOL’S CASCANUECES: Dec. 5. The Central Florida-based flamenco troupe puts a rhythmic spin on “The Nutcracker.”
STONE DANCE ACADEMY’S THE NUTCRACKER: Dec. 20-21. Follow a young girl’s magical journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.
ROLLINS COLLEGE
Dance productions take place in the Annie Russell Theatre on the Rollins campus, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. More information: rollins.edu/annie-russell-theatre
EXPRESSIONS DANCE CONCERT: Nov. 20-21. Tap, jazz, contemporary and more with student, faculty and guest choreographers.
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Performances take place at the Valencia College East Campus Performing Arts Center, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando. More information: 407-582-2900 or valenciacollege.edu/arts
CHOREOGRAPHERS’ SHOWCASE: Nov. 6-7. A student choreography showcase.
EVENING OF DANCE: Nov. 10.
4 IN MOTION: Jan. 29, 2027. The event includes dance performances by the Dr. Phillips High School Magnet Program, projectALCHEMY, Yow Dance and Valencia College’s Valencia Dance Theatre.
VALENCIA SPRING DANCE CONCERT: March 5-6, 2027.
VALENCIA DANCE SUMMER REPERTORY CONCERT: July 16-17, 2027.
— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm