Orlando Ballet to Perform Carmen at Dr. Phillips Center for Valentine’s Day Weekend

Orlando Ballet will bring passion, danger, and high drama to downtown Orlando this Valentine’s weekend with its mainstage production of Carmen, running Feb. 12–15 at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 

The production, choreographed by Kenneth Tindall, reimagines the classic story as a fast-moving, emotionally charged ballet that explores desire, obsession, and the consequences of loving without restraint. What might be the ideal outing for Valentine’s or Galentine’s celebrations, Carmen promises an evening that blends romance with intensity. 

Tindall’s choreography will emphasize character and impulse, unfolding through sharp, physical movement that mirrors the volatile inner lives of the story’s figures. Scenes are expected to shift rapidly, reflecting a world where decisions seem to be made in the heat of the moment, and repercussions follow quickly. 

At the center of the story is Carmen, a fiercely independent heroine who defies traditional romantic archetypes. Rather than seeking redemption or protection, Carmen lives by her own rules, loving freely and refusing to belong to anyone but herself. Her magnetic presence draws others into a spiral of jealousy, obsession, and heartbreak. 

“Carmen lives in a space where desire overrides reason,” said Jorden Morris, Orlando Ballet Artistic Director, in a press release. “It’s about loving without restraint and living with the outcomes that follow, be they tragic or not. Tindall’s choreography encompasses this honestly without hesitation. Our dancers embody that intensity in every moment.” 

Composer Alexandra Harwood has created bold arrangements and original musical bridges that blend orchestral passages with flamenco-inspired guitar and immersive sound effects. The result is a soundscape designed to heighten the emotional effect of each scene. 

Orlando Ballet’s staging of Carmen builds on Tindall and Marcello Angelini’s collaboration, showcasing the company’s commitment to contemporary storytelling grounded in classical technique.

Tickets start at $29 plus tax and fees, with VIP packages available for audience members seeking a premium experience. The Carmen VIP Package includes premium seating, a signed commemorative poster, one beverage, and a snack cup to enjoy during the performance. Group discounts are also available for parties of 10 or more. 

More information and tickets are available HERE or by calling (407) 358–6603.