Melissa Donovan
Orlando Ballet and Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) marked a major milestone in arts education as the longtime partners celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Intro to Ballet program, an initiative that had introduced more than 400,000 second-grade students across Orange County to the art of ballet.
The anniversary was commemorated during a special noon performance of The Nutcracker on Friday, Dec. 19, attended by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. Since its launch in 2000, the program had provided OCPS students with their first exposure to live ballet, using Orlando Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker as a gateway to creative expression and cultural engagement.
“For 25 years, Intro to Ballet has opened a world of imagination, creativity and possibility for our youngest learners,” Mayor Demings said in a press release. “When children experience the arts early, it shapes how they see themselves and their community. Programs like this strengthen Orlando by building connection, inspiration and a shared sense of belonging.”
Through the program, thousands of students attend a professional ballet performance each year, many for the first time. Educators and arts leaders said the experience helped students develop an appreciation for the performing arts while reinforcing lessons in storytelling, music and movement beyond the classroom.
“Seeing the excitement on children’s faces as they experience The Nutcracker for the first time is incredibly meaningful,” said Bradley Renner, executive director of Orlando Ballet. “These moments ignite curiosity, nurture creativity and create memories that can spark a lifelong relationship with the arts and with our community.”
The presence of OCPS students in the audience was also noted as a meaningful element of the performances, creating a unique atmosphere for both dancers and patrons. Orlando Ballet leaders said the students’ enthusiasm reflected the program’s purpose and reinforced its long-term impact.
“Having these students in the audience brings a special kind of energy into the theater,” said Jorden Morris, artistic director and choreographer of Orlando Ballet. “Their enthusiasm reinforces the purpose of Intro to Ballet and inspires our dancers in a powerful way. We’re deeply honored to share The Nutcracker with children who may be experiencing a live performance for the very first time.”
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet had grown into Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet company. The organization produced mainstage performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, presenting both classical works and contemporary world premieres. In addition to its performance season, Orlando Ballet supported arts education through community enrichment programs, lecture demonstrations, the Orlando Ballet School and Orlando Ballet II, its second pre-professional company designed to prepare dancers for professional careers.
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