Nestled in the heart of Gainesville is one of the city’s cultural gems, Dance Alive National Ballet, a Florida-based professional ballet company. Established in 1965 and directed by sisters and local leaders Kim Tuttle and Judy Skinner, it is one of the premier touring companies in the United States and features an international roster of award-winning dancers.
At any given time of day, the dancers can be seen going through their paces—athletic, graceful, elegant, and exciting, they are at the heart of the company’s undeniable success, and part of Gainesville’s undeniable appeal.
The company, which has strong outreach and educational programs, gives back to the community through Discover Dance, Dance Partners, and Senior Moments, all programs designed to bring students, veterans, special needs individuals, and clients of any and all social service and nonprofit agencies to experience dance at reduced or no cost.
DanceAbout, the newest addition to our community outreach programs, is designed to reach pre-school youngsters and underprivileged and senior citizens in settings designed for their maximum benefit. The youth company, The Next Generation performs in retirement centers and arts fairs.
The Company is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of community leaders who support the organization wholeheartedly.Dance Alive National Ballet’s repertoire ranges from the classic Nutcracker to the cutting edge of contemporary ballet.
Throughout this choreographic tapestry are woven the ballets of Executive Artistic Director Kim Tuttle and Resident Choreographer Judy Skinner whose distinctive artistic styles brand the company.Entertaining and insightful, provocative and joyous, this creative aesthetic is at the heart of the Company.
DANB has toured internationally under the auspices of the National Endowment for the Arts, SouthArts, Allied Concert Services, Conciertos Internacionales, and the Florida Department of State. The company is represented by Siegel Artist Management.
….admire the exquisite combination of techniques…the tradition of the Bolshoi, the spirit of jazz and the sensuality of modern dance in a first class spectacle….” —La Nacion, Costa Rica
