The Awakening: Why We Still Need Princess Aurora
by Avery Anderson
Let’s be real: in a world of high-speed feeds and corporate entertainment, the idea of a princess sleeping for a hundred years sounds less like a curse and more like a solid self-care plan. But Tampa City Ballet (TCB) isn’t just dusting off an old relic for their season finale. They’re treating Sleeping Beauty as a communal heartbeat—a way to bridge the gap between the high-brow "stiffness" of traditional ballet and the actual families living in North Tampa.
Founded by Paula Nuñez in 2018, TCB has been on a mission to keep our local talent from fleeing to New York or London. By staging this classic at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, they are planting a flag for professional, high-tier art right in our own backyard.
Beyond the Tutu Grit
While most big-box theaters treat classical ballet like a museum piece—look, but don’t touch—TCB is leaning into the "Classical Family Series" vibe. This isn't about sitting in stony silence; it’s about making sure a five-year-old seeing their first grand jeté feels just as welcome as the season ticket holder.
The production keeps the "greatest hits"—including the technically brutal Rose Adagio—but trims the fluff to keep the storytelling tight and the energy high. It’s a delicate balance: honoring the Tchaikovsky score that everyone knows from the movies while showcasing the actual, physical labor of local professional dancers who are "surfacing a wall of sound" with every movement.
"This performance is meant to be shared," says Artistic Director Paula Nuñez. "Bringing [this story] to life on stage in a way that feels engaging for all ages makes it even more special".
On Our Radar: The Details
- What: Sleeping Beauty (Season Finale)
- When: May 16th (4:00 PM & 7:30 PM) and May 17th (4:00 PM)
- Where: New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Rd
- Why it matters: It’s a rare chance to see professional-grade classical choreography without the "stuffy" downtown price tag or pretense. Plus, supporting TCB means supporting the infrastructure that keeps dancers working in Tampa