Alachua Spring Concert, City of Alachua Partners with Dance Alive National Ballet for Youth Performance

Alachua Spring Concert, March 30, 2025 at 3 p.m., Legacy Park, Alachua

Admission at the door the afternoon of the show, Adults: $8 / Youth: No charge

 

ALACHUA — The City of Alachua is joining forces with Dance Alive National Ballet (DANB) to present a special collaborative program featuring young dancers from DANB’s Next Generation and danceAbout outreach initiatives. The event will showcase students who have been training under DANB outreach instructors Alison Tucker and Marilyn Deiorio since February, thanks to support from the City of Alachua and danceAbout sponsors.

Next Generation, DANB’s youth performance group, will take the stage alongside danceAbout participants to present a dynamic lineup of performances, including Le Corsaire Suite, Night Sky, Appalachian Spring, Boogie Shoes, Playground and Boogie Wonderland.

The program aims to introduce young dancers to a range of classical and contemporary styles. Le Corsaire Suite was chosen to expose students to classical ballet and character dance, while Night Sky, choreographed by DANB Resident Choreographer Tales Ribeiro, is designed for older dancers. Younger members of Next Generation will perform Appalachian Spring, a piece choreographed by DANB Principal Rachel Ridley.

Other featured works include Boogie Shoes, created by DANB’s Judy Skinner, and Playground, choreographed by guest artist Michelle Zada. The performance will conclude with Boogie Wonderland, which will feature danceAbout students before transitioning through ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, with guest artist Victor Mancuso leading the tap segment. The finale will bring together both danceAbout and Next Generation dancers in a celebratory performance.

The event not only highlights young talent but also supports DANB’s outreach programs. Proceeds will benefit these initiatives, which aim to enrich the lives of youth by providing them with choreography, instruction, and performance opportunities.

Founded in 1966 in Gainesville, Florida, Dance Alive National Ballet is a premier touring company in the southern United States, known for its diverse repertoire ranging from classical ballets like The Nutcracker to innovative contemporary works. Under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Kim Tuttle and Company Choreographer Judy Skinner, the company has toured extensively in the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Russia.

Dance Alive National Ballet receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture, the City of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department, and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with additional financial details available upon request by calling (800) 435-7352.

With a mission to foster artistic expression and provide young dancers with performance experience, DANB’s Next Generation continues to serve as a vital part of the region’s arts community. The upcoming showcase in Alachua promises to be an inspiring evening of dance, creativity, and collaboration.

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