With its humble beginnings and rich dance traditions, Dance Alive National Ballet is an international treasure located right in our hometown. Currently, the Gainesville-based professional ballet company is well into its Golden Anniversary 50th Season.
Dance Alive began as the Gainesville Civic Ballet, founded in 1966 by Mary Ellen Pofahl. Over the next several decades, her daughters, Judy Skinner and Kim Tuttle, slowly grew the small dance company into the award-winning international touring company it is today. Skinner and Tuttle, choreographer-in-residence and executive artistic director, respectively, say that they are polar opposites. However, the sisters share a passion for dance that has enabled them to pour their hearts and souls into Dance Alive.
“This is a family business,” Tuttle said. “We grew up in it, and this is what we know. We were really fortunate that there was this existing school and fledgling company that we could grow into.”
Combining an atmosphere of teamwork and family with world-class talent is the formula that truly sets Dance Alive apart from other ballet companies. The company of principal dancers hail from all over the world, including Russia, Brazil, Italy, Ukraine and Cuba.
“Our company includes so many international dancers who are stars in their own right,” Tuttle said.
Tuttle has never held open auditions for dancers. The reputation Dance Alive has maintained throughout the world is so strong that some of the best international dancers have sought her out to join the company. Finding and keeping the right mix of dancers is crucial to Dance Alive’s history of success.
“I like dancers who have something special to give to the audience,” Tuttle said about how she chooses new company members. She looks for people who are truly able to tell a story with their bodies. “Generally, this means they are not the youngest dancers.”
Tak Kwan Chu, for example, officially retired at 55, but he still performed in “The Nutcracker” this season at 67 years old.
The second quality Tuttle looks for in a dancer is her line, or the picture she creates in space. Musicality is also a factor in choosing new dancers. As a pianist, Tuttle looks for dancers who embody the music they hear.
“I love dancers who are fearless and can gulp up space,” she said. Athleticism and the ability to shift between genres of dance are important elements of musicality as well.
An intangible quality Tuttle seeks out in a dancer is one who will become part of the company’s dance community. While most ballet companies are very competitive, Dance Alive maintains a family atmosphere. So, it seeks dancers who are collaborative and strive to support one another.
The dancers at Dance Alive mirror the commitment that Tuttle and Skinner have demonstrated, and many remain part of the company for several years. Tuttle believes the reason for their longevity is that these dancers are able to perform at the highest level yet live in culturally rich and family friendly Gainesville.
Tuttle does a great deal to care for her dancers as well.
“I want the dancers to feel as good as they can when they get onstage,” Tuttle said. “I think about their bodies and how to keep them healthy and safe.”
“It’s really a joy to be able to do what you’re made to do,” she added.
Inspired by her mother, Tuttle began dancing at an early age. When she retired from dance, she dedicated her full attention to the company at Dance Alive.
Skinner, who was a public school teacher for 18 years, has developed all of the organization’s arts education programming since 1976.
“So, she is an artist and an educator,” Tuttle said.
Skinner has created over 40 ballets for Dance Alive National Ballet. In addition to choreographing dances for Dance Alive, Skinner has also choreographed dances for other organizations, including the Hippodrome Theatre.
The sisters also run Pofahl Studios, which their mother founded in 1956. Classes at Pofahl give dancers of all ages and abilities a solid dance foundation. Students are able to attend classes taught by Skinner, Tuttle and many of the professional dancers from Dance Alive.
“Gainesville is an extraordinary town for the arts,” Tuttle said.
Dance Alive National Ballet has been a pillar of our arts community for the past 50 years. Skinner and Tuttle are working closely with their board of directors to ensure that this professional ballet company continues to thrive over the next 50 years.