Here in Pensacola, we like to experience a plethora of things. Of course, we love to do those things with nourishment and libations as accompaniment. The arts are no exception. The venues that feature their performances serve an array of things to eat and drink. Even more so are the organization’s events fashioned to the community for its enjoyment. Pensacola is unique in the fact that as a small town, the arts here usher in a level of sophistication and continuous celebration that only being home to the Big 5 - Ballet, Museum of Art, Opera, Symphony, and Theater - can bring.
Of the five, Ballet Pensacola is perhaps the best kept secret. This month Ballet Pensacola is opening its 46th season. With a strong lineup and intended to appeal to the greater Pensacola community, never before has the ballet put together such a rich program of offerings for us to partake in. They are serving up events to elevate every production, for young and old alike. Different venues throughout with offerings of eats and sips, opportunities to meet the professionals, and to get a small token to mark the multitude of experiences.
The season begins with the timeless classic, Cinderella. In celebration of it, and aimed at the littlest of princesses in the community, there will be a Tutus & Tiaras Tea. It is considered a high tea, a wonderful array of cakes and cookies, whipped sugars and creams, sprinkles and sparkles. Not to mention savory bites, such as finger sandwiches and cheeses. To swizzle, there will be teas and a signature drink for the fairest in the kingdom. Find your finest royal wear and join the festivities at the best tea party in all of the land.
Soon after, as Christmas quickly approaches, there are many ways to enjoy the season. If it does not start and end with sugar, then are you doing it right? The Nutcracker: Land of the Sweets is sure to delight. Only those with the finest appreciation for sugar plums and sweets will relish this event - of course, everyone loves one sweet or another. Take a walk through the land of the sweets where hot chocolate warms the spirit. Marshmallows and sprinkles, cookies and puddings, cakes and chocolates, all crafted locally, will start your season off with this wonderful array of sugary pleasures. Special guest appearances will ensure this event is even sweeter.
Next, transport yourself to the land known for its passion, dance, and most importantly - food. The spring production of Don Quixote will transport Ballet Pensacola guests for a night to remember. With flavors deeply rooted in the Mediterranean with influences from the north of Africa, Sangria at Sunset is the sort of downtown event that brings in an unexpected breath of fresh air. To be celebrated on the rooftop at The Center, sip on Sangria, cava and Spanish wines to the hypnotic sounds of the Iberian peninsula. Tapas and pintxos, Spanish-style small finger foods, are the language of love at this event. This experience is curated to whisk you away to another time and place. Salud!
With one last opportunity, in their season, to create something fresh and new, Ballet Pensacola is having their first ever Choreographer's competition, appropriately called: Ballet-Bourbon-Ballot. The event itself continues to be shrouded in mystery, and what more exciting way to pique the curiosity of the local crowd? With drinks and bites to tempt our 'good times' Pensacolians, this is a twist on your usual tasting event. We have all tried it the traditional way. Why not be adventurous and check in to see what this is all about? The power is in the hands of the audience with a vote securing the winning choreography of the night. The true winners, however, are those attending this bourbon and choreography event at The Center.
The current dynamic leadership of Artistic Director Stéphano Candreva, said "Ballet Pensacola is thrilled to present a diverse lineup that promises to captivate, inspire and bring our community together. From the world premiere of Cinderella to our beloved Nutcracker, we're excited to share the magic of ballet with Pensacola once again." Their dedication to curating unforgettable moments is art personified. We have extremely talented people here doing grand things that rival the largest of our nation's cosmopolitan cities. Artistic Director, Stéphano Candreva said "This season, we're not just growing our repertoire-we're deepening our connection with the community. With performances at Gallery Night and engaging new audiences through innovative productions, Ballet Pensacola is committed to making the arts accessible and exciting for everyone."
Tickets for the Ballet Pensacola season are on sale at The Center, Saenger Theater, Ticketmaster, by calling the office at 850.432.9546, and online at balletpensacola.org
Of the five, Ballet Pensacola is perhaps the best kept secret.
There are events to elevate every production, for young and old alike. Different venues throughout with offerings of food and drink, opportunities to meet dancers, and to get a small token marking the multitude of experiences.