Tampa City Ballet Opened New Season With La Séptima
The company debuted an original production exploring Ybor City history through immersive dance performances.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Dance
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Tampa City Ballet has launched its 2026-27 season with the premiere of La Séptima, a new production choreographed by founder Paula Nuñez. The ballet examines the immigrant experience in 1920s Ybor City.
Why it matters
The performance seeks to prompt dialogue about historical cycles by focusing on the development of Seventh Avenue. It integrates archival research with modern technology to interpret the legacy of local immigrant communities.
The production is based on a 1897 book translated in 2020, featuring AI-generated set designs. The company was established as a nonprofit organization in 2018.
The players
Tampa City Ballet
This nonprofit dance organization was founded in 2018 and is currently led by Paula Nuñez.
Paula Nuñez
She is the founder and artistic director of the Tampa City Ballet who arrived in Tampa in 2002.
Santiago Echeverry
He is the artist responsible for producing the AI-generated animations featured in the production's set design.
Wenceslao Gálvez y Delmonte
He is the author of the 1897 book titled Tampa: Impressions of an Emigrant, which provides the narrative source material for the ballet.
The details
La Séptima features thematic depictions of segregated social clubs, illegal gambling, and the historical figure Charlie Wall. Choreography for the piece was developed by studying the movements of historical cigar makers, with costumes sourced from thrift stores.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Official announcement date.
October 9-11, 2026: Immersive performances held at the Cuban Club.
October 17, 2026: Educational conversation hosted at the University of South Florida.
Industry Dynamics
This production reflects a broader trend in the dance world of integrating historical literary source material with AI-driven stage design. It positions the company within a growing movement of regional arts groups using immersive formats to engage with specific local heritage.
Residents can attend immersive performances at the Cuban Club or visit the New Tampa Performing Arts Center for stage shows. Additionally, the public can access a behind-the-scenes panel discussion regarding the history behind the ballet at the University of South Florida.
The takeaway
Artistic interpretations of local history can bridge the gap between archival literature and modern performance. Residents are encouraged to explore these cultural narratives to gain deeper perspective on the historical development of their own neighborhoods.
Further reading
For more information on the local arts scene, visit the Dance section.
More information
To purchase tickets or learn more about the show, visit the Tampa City Ballet ticket portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Bay Times.
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