Ovations Dance Repertory Company
Bringing Holiday Magic to the Stage While Building the Next Era of Performers
When Orlando Peña opened Ovations Dance Academy in 2021, he set out to create more than a dance studio. He imagined a place where strong technical training, professional‑level instruction, and a genuine sense of community could thrive together. Five years later, that vision continues to expand, and this December offers a shining example of what makes Ovations one of the most talked-about arts spaces in the Tampa Bay area.
The academy’s extension of the Repertory annual production of The Nutcracker Suite returns December 12 at Dunedin High School, a tradition that has quickly become the heartbeat of Ovations’ holiday season. The production features two performances and a cast of roughly 60 dancers, from tiny three‑year‑olds to seasoned teens, along with adult performers and several guest artists who bring additional polish and theatrical flair to the stage.
“We have two performances,” Peña said. “And five guest artists.” His excitement is unmistakable, and it reflects the energy that fills the studio as rehearsals build toward opening night.
For Peña, The Nutcracker Suite is far more than a festive performance. It is an opportunity for young dancers to experience the discipline, joy, and camaraderie of a professional‑style production. Many of his students are performing in their first full‑length ballet, while others return year after year, growing into new roles as their technique and confidence deepen.
“It’s your traditional Nutcracker with lavish costumes,” he said. “My choreography always has a twist. It’s traditional, but I add more to make it enjoyable for our families.” That blend of classic storytelling and fresh creativity has become a hallmark of the Ovations production, giving audiences a familiar holiday favorite with a distinctive Ovations sparkle.
The Nutcracker tradition at Ovations began in 2022, but for Peña, it stretches back decades. “I’ve been doing it in New York for 20 years,” he said. “So, it’s a tradition with Ovations.” His long history with the ballet informs every detail, from staging to casting to the way he guides dancers through the rehearsal process.
What truly elevates the production, however, is the caliber of instruction students receive throughout the year. Peña speaks with pride about the faculty he has assembled, a team whose professional backgrounds and training bring an extraordinary level of expertise to the studio.
His pride in the Ovations faculty is unmistakable. “My ballet staff is so incredible,” he said, describing instructors with deep roots in respected international traditions- teachers whose careers span major ballet organizations and rigorous conservatory training. “I have three teachers from Cuba who are just incredible. My dancers are getting the best individualized and group lessons.”
The academy also draws on instruction from Europe, Mexico, and some of the most accomplished artists across the Americas, creating a truly global foundation for every student who walks through the door.
That level of instruction creates an environment where young performers can grow quickly and confidently. “What separates me is the pedigree of my staff,” Peña said. “They come from legendary masters of ballet. They come from long‑term educational and performance backgrounds.” The result is a studio where students receive training that rivals pre‑professional programs, all within a warm, community‑centered setting.
Peña ’s own experience adds another layer to the academy’s offerings. His background in theater and dance, combined with years spent working in New York, has shaped the opportunities available to Ovations students. “I have six kids that have been on Broadway,” he said. “Between my theatrical experience and having these international teachers, it’s pretty amazing. It makes it a special place.”
Unlike programs that rely on occasional guest instructors, Ovations provides this level of training year‑round. “It’s not like a summer camp where you get all these special guest artists,” Peña said. “Twelve months out of the year, this is what I have. Not every studio has that.”
The academy’s growth reflects the demand for its unique blend of professional instruction and welcoming atmosphere. What began as a single‑room studio has expanded into a five‑room arts center, including a large performance and rehearsal space. Students can train in ballet, musical theater, jazz, tap, hip‑hop, competition teams, and even adult salsa classes. “I started off with one room and now we have five,” Peña said. “We have a strong ballet conservatory program.”
Ovations dancers also participate in prestigious events such as Youth America Grand Prix and Dance Open America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet, in addition to NYCDA giving them opportunities to challenge themselves and gain exposure to the wider dance world.
Yet for Peña, the academy’s success is not measured solely by competitions or productions. He places equal value on creating an environment where students feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn. “I’ve been getting numerous compliments about the energy of the studio,” he said. “The teachers are so passionate that the kids just want to come in and take class.”
Families travel from across the Tampa Bay region to be part of the Ovations community. “We have kids coming from South Tampa, all the way from Lutz and St Pete, to be at the school and in the production,” Peña said. That commitment reflects the studio’s reputation for both excellence and warmth.
Inside the rehearsal room, students learn discipline and focus while also building friendships that often last long after the final curtain. “There’s discipline, but there’s also a moment of ‘Hey, we’re here to have fun together,’” Peña said. “They’ll create these long-lasting memories.”
Those memories are one reason The Nutcracker Suite remains such an important part of the holiday season. “I’m still friends with people I danced with when I was younger in the Nutcracker,” Peña said. “It’s a special magical experience if you have the right ingredients.”
As Ovations Dance Academy prepares to raise the curtain on another year of holiday magic, the combination of professional‑caliber instruction, ambitious programming, and a welcoming community continues to define its identity. For audiences attending The Nutcracker Suite this December, the performance will showcase not only talented young dancers but also the dedication of a faculty committed to helping every student reach their potential.
“We’re pretty happening. We’re jumping,” Peña said with a laugh. And with an expanding studio, enthusiastic families, and a holiday production filled with tradition and talent, Ovations Dance Academy and Ovations Dance Repertory Company, shows no signs of slowing down. Learn more at https://ovationsdanceoftampa.com. •
