Nutcracker sparkles at the Straz Center!

Gymnasts get psyched backstage!

The Next Generation Ballet has put itself on the map as an outstanding ballet company of enormous talent with its debut performance of The Nutcracker.

When Peter Stark joined the Patel Conservatory as chair of our dance department, he had a vision. He’s built our new ballet company (Next Generation Ballet) from the ground up, and put together the Straz Center’s first in-house production of the The Nutcracker. In years past, it was brought to the Straz Center by other companies.

Performers get ready for the opening party scene.

Last night’s show displayed the professional caliber of dancers from Next Generation Ballet and the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet. 

It was great to see the progression from the rehearsals to the stage, how it all tied together with the costumes and the sets. Exhilarating to see the pay off of all the hours these dancers have put in.

Enormous thanks to the parents and families who have spent an equal amount of time bringing their children to rehearsals and supporting these young dancers, from the tiny Caterpillars and Snowflakes to the exquisite Arabian Leopards, the graceful Flowers and, of course, Clara and her Prince. They'll do it all again today at 2 p.m.!