This season of love, Orlando Ballet brings Carmen to the stage at Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 12-15, inviting audiences into a story where love is intoxicating and desire comes at a cost. Restless, sensual and emotionally charged, this mainstage production offers an unforgettable night out, ideal for a Valentine’s date or a Galentine’s celebration.
Choreographed by Kenneth Tindall, Carmen moves with relentless momentum. The choreography is grounded in character and impulse, unfolding through sharp, physical language that reflects the inner lives of its figures. Scenes shift quickly, emotions surface without warning, mirroring a world where choices are made in the heat of the moment and consequences follow close behind.
At the center is Carmen herself: fiercely independent and magnetic. Since her 19th-century debut, she has stood apart from traditional heroines, defined not by innocence or redemption but by choice. She loves freely, leaves without apology and belongs only to herself. That defiance pulls others in, sparking obsession, jealousy and heartbreak as devotion turns volatile. The result is a story of love that feels raw and unmistakably human.
“Carmen lives in a space where desire overrides reason,” said Orlando Ballet Artistic Director Jorden Morris. “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 movement.”
Composer Georges Bizet’s familiar melodies are reimagined through Alexandra Harwood’s bold arrangements and augmentations, anchored by her original compositional bridges. The score shifts between sweeping orchestral sounds and sharp, high-intensity moments, with flamenco-style guitar, industrial textures and immersive sound effects carrying the story forward and making every scene feel alive.
Through Morris’ original three-company North American presentation of Kenneth Tindall’s Casanova, this work has gained traction and accolades from several companies. Carmen follows suit, continuing Morris’ collaborative relationship with Marcello Angelini, director of Tulsa Ballet, alongside the visionary and creative spirit of Kenneth Tindall.
Whether experiencing ballet for the first time or returning as a longtime patron, audiences can expect an evening that doesn’t fade when the curtain falls, full of passion, drama and just the right spark for Valentine’s Day.
Ticket prices start at $29 plus tax and fees. For a truly memorable night out, VIP packages are available. The Carmen VIP Package offers premium seating, a signed commemorative poster, one beverage and a snack cup to enjoy during the performance.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Orlandoballet.org or call (407) 358-6603. Exclusive pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. For group reservations, call (407) 918-9828 or email boxoffice@orlandoballet.org.
About Orlando Ballet
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet is Central Florida’s only fully residential professional ballet company. Orlando Ballet produces main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, featuring timeless masterpieces and innovative contemporary world premieres, achieving the highest level of professionalism and artistic excellence. Orlando Ballet promotes dance education through community enrichment programs, performance lecture demonstrations, the renowned Orlando Ballet School, and Orlando Ballet II, a second pre-professional company to train and support dancers as they approach the start of their dance careers.
