T

here’s something incredibly beautiful about ballet 

that commands attention, something unique and 

romantic that no over-engineered, technically 

enhanced screen production can replicate or 

replace. And in this day and age when computer generated 

entertainment seems to assault our senses at every turn, it’s 

inspiring to know that the art of ballet is as captivating as ever.

The captivation begins early, enchanting the hearts of little 

girls and boys with equal influence as their natural affinity to 

connect with music through dance often starts before they’re 

even able to form words. And as their connection grows, so, 

too does their focus on focused movement, channeling the 

rise and fall of music into fluid, graceful actions that express 

emotion in a way unlike any other. “Most young children are 

very visual and respond to hearing music with movement, some 

so much so that they seem to be dancing around the house all 

the time, without even realizing it,” says Artistic Director and 

CEO of Northwest Florida Ballet Todd Eric Allen. “The arts 

are magical to children, and usually the kids that are movers 

are naturally drawn to ballet—especially once they’ve seen the 

beautiful costumes, scenery, lights, and the music come together 

in a production.”

For companies like Northwest Florida Ballet, those 

productions are indeed a magical thing to watch; and as 

it dances into its 48th year, NFB is looking forward to 

an upcoming season of truly memorable performances 

by renowned dancers from all over the world as well as 

presentations by local talents greatly gifted with the art of grace. 

“We’re excited to be featuring many famous guest artists in our 

upcoming season,” Allen offers, citing the names of principals 

from some of the most celebrated companies in the world. 

It’s an exciting season to be sure, starting things off with their 

opening production, World Ballet Stars to unite the talents 

of world-renown principals in one magnificent performance. 

Staying on pointe with a performance of Giselle in October, 

they’ll dance into the holidays with Nutcracker as well as “A 

70     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

story by

Liesel Schmidt| 

photos courtesy of 

Northwest Florida Ballet & Jennifer Boles Photography

ADVENTURE

Art On-Pointe 

70-71 AdventureOut - NWFL Ballet.indd   1

8/27/17   2:12 PM