Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Nunez.
Hi Paula, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where I started my dance training at Escuela Ballet-Arte. At this conservatory, I discovered my passion for the arts and for dance. When I turned 15 years old, I was offered a contract with the International Ballet of Caracas, a renowned dance company that traveled all around the world. Later in my career, I danced with the Cleveland Ballet. I had the opportunity to perform internationally and share the stage with world-renowned dancers, including Rudolf Nureyev, Julio Bocca, Fernando Bujones, and Zhandra Rodriguez and to work with choreographers including Alvin Ailey, Margo Sappington, Ulysses Dove, Vicente Nebrada, Hans Van Mannen, Nacho Duato. Inspired by the firm belief that the arts are essential in our communities and the role they play in society, I continuously create initiatives to bring the arts to children and youth, fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. In 1994, I founded “Fundacion Ballet de las Americas” in Caracas, Venezuela and in 2002 in Tampa, FL. These organizations have been giving scholarships to students since 1994. Many of the scholarship recipients are continuing to have an impact thought the arts around the world. To continue the educational commitment with the Tampa community, in 2012, I started my appointment as part of the faculty at the University of South Florida and also founded the nonprofit organization, Tampa City Ballet. The same year, I launched the program “On your feet,” which was developed to provide high quality free professional training and positively change lives through the art of dance. The “On your Feet” program collaborates with well-known projects in our area.
In 2018, I launched the professional dance company portion of Tampa City Ballet to support artists, create unique works and visionary choreography that incorporates diversity, collaboration and inclusion. Since establishing the company, we have collaborated with The Florida Orchestra, Florida Museum of Photography, The Glazer Children’s Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Ybor City Community Development. We launched seven world premieres and four short dance films. The modern version of “Pulcinella” in collaboration with The Florida Orchestra and The Museum of Fine Arts sold out all their performances at the Straz and Mahaffey Theater in 2020. I received USF’s Hispanic Woman of the Year award and was nominated for Best of the Bay’s Best Choreography award, Best Dance Company award and the City of Tampa’s Hispanic Heritage Award. My work has been featured on Tampa Bay News, ABC, FOX, La Gazeta, and the Tampa Tribune.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been some smooth moments but also very challenging and stressful moments. It is never easy for small businesses and for underground art institutions. Part of the challenges includes balancing the demands of the companies and my family. In my case, it was tough because my husband passed away 11 years ago. At that moment, I felt with no sense of direction, out of my country, and alone with my two teenage boys. I never lose my faith. I believe no matter how hard it might get. Humankind will always find the power to pull through. One of my greatest challenges has been the launch of the nonprofit professional dance company (Tampa City Ballet) from the ground up while simultaneously putting together a team of volunteers willing to support the dance company. My dream is to have a budget that can support staff and 12 professional dancers. One of my greatest achievements is to keep the company and the school working and producing during this difficult time. Definitely, COVID-19 had hit us very strongly. With theaters closed, one of the challenges I confronted was deciding to keep creating and re-evaluate the new platform. Tampa City Ballet is funded in part by the State of Florida, Hillsborough County, and Ybor City. With grants already in play, it became mission-critical to renegotiate our deliverables.
In response to the moment and embracing changes from normal to virtual, we created: – “102 Degrees”, a short film about the cycle of life and the story of the cigar factory workers in Ybor City. In 1918, they were among the hardest-hit communities by the Spanish Flu in Florida. – “Reflections,” a short film that brings the vibrancy of our city and architecture to life. When coronavirus has emptied our streets of people and activity, the sight of the dance bringing color back to life is especially beautiful and serves as a reminder to our community that Tampa Bay is a vibrant and diverse city. -Tampa City Ballet – Artists in Residence brought two choreographers to create and film “The Nutcrackers.” (New versions of the classical Nutcracker). Despite the tragedy, and as many arts organizations, we have embraced technology to keep programs running. Film allowed dance to break out of the theater walls, galleries and closed studios and place it in our everyday life. Artists are bringing their digital creations and in-person performances to a wider audience, which is very positive. The artists will bring hope and inspiration to the world because they will keep moving, but we will have to start from scratch and work together to transform spaces and create support that gives artists the opportunity to keep creating.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am Tampa City Ballet’s and America’s Ballet School Artistic Director and founder. I am also part of the USF dance program faculty. I teach Ballet technique, choreograph and direct the school and the company. Part of my responsibility as a Director and as an artist is to serve the community by creating unique performances and providing high-quality arts education, positively changing lives through the arts’ power. What sets Tampa City Ballet apart from others is that the company leads Tampa in joining a global dance movement that is providing a stage for emerging artists. The performances are emotionally moving, rich in artistry and with a 21st-century innovative repertoire. I feel proud of all we do, but our outreach program, “On your feet” is very special for me. My life was changed by a scholarship that I have received as a child. I believe in the power of the arts, there is something about creativity and imagination that is incredibly important for kids and youth, and I want to give back.
What’s next?
I hope to continue presenting, educating, collaborating and bringing art to the community until we create a legitimate space for Tampa City Ballet in Tampa Bay. Definitely, we have a wonderful opportunity to talk about the role arts play in our society and in our communities. We want TCB’s outreach program to be expanded to present more indoor and outdoor performances in senior centers, community organizations, schools, museums and cultural centers in Tampa Bay. Our current space is very limited. Our future plans include finding a new home for Tampa City Ballet with spaces where we can continue establishing a bond between underprivileged youth from our communities and the company and to provide an artistic gateway to higher education.
Contact Info:
- Email: paula@tampacityballet.org
- Instagram: @tampacityballet
- Facebook: Tampacityballet
- Twitter: Tampa City Ballet
- Youtube: Tampa City Ballet
Image Credits
Michael Sheehan
