Ballet and More: May is Dance Month at Seaside

It’s almost time for one of Seaside’s most exciting events of the year – the Seaside Dance Month – featuring Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, Ballet Pensacola and guest artists from all around the world.

These signature performances, hosted by the Merchants of Seaside, are the result of continuing success and overflowing audiences in past Seaside dance performances and the brainchild of Seaside co-founder and patron of the arts, Daryl Davis.

Three exciting Saturdays, May 7, 14 and 21, at 6 p.m., will feature dance performances by both local and national dance companies in the Seaside Amphitheater. Ballet Pensacola, the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group and professional dancers will perform ballet, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and more.

All performances are complimentary.

Saturday, May 7, 6 p.m.

The New York City based Joffrey Ballet Concert Group returns for another mesmerizing performance in the Seaside Amphitheater. The 90-minute show will include 30 Joffrey company members performing a variety of dances, ranging from modern and jazz to classical ballet.

The Joffrey Ballet Concert Group has dazzled audiences all over the world for more than 50 years, while the Joffrey Ballet School has remained on the forefront of American dance education since 1953. The school’s most advanced students are chosen by audition to perform and the company serves as a platform for some of the nation’s best young dancers to launch their professional careers at major dance companies such as American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Miami City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and other companies throughout the United States and Europe.

Saturday, May 14, 6 p.m.

Ballet Pensacola returns also for its second performance in Seaside. Featuring both classical and contemporary dance, Ballet Pensacola promises a sensational repertory evening.

The company will perform a medley of different dance routines, including moments from “So You Think You Can Dance,” choreography from their ‘Divas’ tour, which includes music by Billy Holiday and Beyonce, and “Swan Lake’s” Pas de Trois. And fresh off the company’s recent performance of “Swing, Swang, Swung,” Ballet Pensacola dancers will perform a lighthearted dance with original choreography by artistic director Richard Steinert and Christine Duhon and music by the “King of Swing” Benny Goodman.

Drawing professional dancers from around the globe, Ballet Pensacola is known for its innovative, diverse and collaborative style of theatre and dance, and performs throughout the United States through its successful touring program.

Saturday, May 21, 6 p.m.

Seaside Dance Month culminates with an anticipated gala performance featuring various guest artists from New York City Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Bad Boys of Dance, BARE Dance Company, Yin Yue Dance Company, Ballet of Canada and more.

For more info, visit Seaside Florida or call 850-231-6179.