The Arts – 12th Annual

Orlando boasts an eclectic variety of cultural events, performance troupes and arts centers. Theater groups, museums and local attractions offer something to suit everyone. For those looking to learn for themselves, there are numerous music and dance schools, as well as art and acting studios that can teach students the skills they need to become true artists. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s 12th annual The Arts segment offers an up-close look at some of the area’s most popular venues, groups and experienced schools.


Artegon Marketplace

artegon_marketplaceArt is at the heart of everything Artegon does. Its artists and artisans are local, but their art, craftsmanship and reputations are renowned worldwide. Located at 5250 International Drive, Artegon is not a traditional mall. Its “anti-ordinary, anti-mall” vision enables its artists to showcase and sell their art and products in a sophisticated venue and provides guests with a shopping experience they’ll find only at Artegon. As one sign at Artegon says, “Without art, the Earth would be just eh!”


Columbus Center Dance Academy & After-School Program

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The staff at Columbus Center Dance Academy and After-School Program is looking forward to another exciting year of  dance training and performing arts. This year, Columbus Center Dance is once again doing the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker followed by its annual Christmas show and then its spring review. Working on all the techniques of ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and gymnastics used in many different shows, Columbus Center Dance’s staff also makes sure the discipline skills are continued into homework time. Columbus Center Dance is located at 4625 Middlebrook Road in Orlando. For more information, call 407-422-1800.


Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance

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Elizabeth Parsons School of Dance, located at 116 W. Sixth Ave. in Windermere, is now registering students for its 36th dance season. Under the artistic direction of Elizabeth Parsons, the school offers dance instruction for all ages in classical ballet, jazz, tap, modern, acrobatics, lyrical and hip-hop. Classes are limited and begin Aug. 8. In addition, the school presents its annual Evening of Dance at Lake Eola on Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. For more information, call 407-876-4604, email epsod.dance@gmail.com or visit www.elizabethparsonsschoolofdance.com on the web.


Footworks Dance Studio

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Footworks Dance Studio in Winter Garden starts its 14th dance season this fall with a terrific schedule lined up for its dancers. The studio’s priority continues to be providing the best dance instruction to its students, as well as developing the character of each and every dancer. Back-to-school fall registration dates are Aug. 15-19 from 3:30-7 p.m. and Aug. 20 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, call 407-877-2260 or visit www.footworksdancestudio.com on the web.


Orlando Ballet

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Coming off the heels of one of its most successful seasons in recent history, the Orlando Ballet keeps the excitement alive by bringing “A New Season of Excellence.” The 2016-17 season promises to be its most spectacular yet. Audiences have much to anticipate from a season of classical and new dance programs never before performed by the company. Please join Orlando Ballet at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for another new season of artistry and excellence. For more information call 407-426-1739 or visit www.orlandoballet.org on the web.


Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

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Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra is Central Florida’s professional orchestra, composed of accomplished musicians recruited from around the world. Presenting more than 125 events each year, the orchestra provides musical experiences and educational programs to people of all ages and is committed to a sustainable future for symphonic music in Central Florida. The OPO box office, located at The Plaza Live at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando, is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 407-770-0071, and to view the 2016-17 season, visit orlandophil.org on the web.


Orlando Premier Music Instruction

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Orlando Premier Music Instruction offers private and group art lessons in the comfort of your own home. Much like its private music lessons, OPMI is able to tailor its art program to meet the student’s needs whether just starting out or by taking existing skills and challenging progression to a more advanced level. New techniques, materials and styles are introduced, which enables self-expression while also supporting problem-solving, communication, critical-thinking skills and confidence building. Budding artists will explore all areas of school-age art, such as sketching, painting, sculpting, collage and more. For more information, call 407-963-5529 or visit www.orlando-premier-music-instruction.com on the web.


Orlando Repertory Theatre

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As Florida’s only full-time professional theater for family and young audiences, Orlando Repertory Theatre is committed to creating moments that matter! Located at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando, The REP strives to create high-quality experiences that enlighten, entertain and enrich. To learn about upcoming season productions, special events, Youth Academy programming and more, visit orlandorep.com on the web. Join The REP today and become part of the story! For more information, call 407-896-7365.


Windermere Preparatory School’s Fine Arts Program

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Windermere Preparatory School’s Fine Arts Program equips students for lifelong involvement in artistic and scholastic pursuits through the integration of performing arts and college preparatory academics. This year, WPS will also begin its collaboration with Juilliard School, the world-renowned performing arts conservatory, and Nord Anglia Education to further enhance the WPS performing arts curriculum with an innovative structure, design and approach. WPS is located at 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road in Windermere. For more information, visit www.windermereprep.com on the web. 💓