Orlando Ballet's 'Carmen' Heats Up This Valentine's Weekend

The production leans into the story's passion and volatility, with fiery choreography and a reworked score.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Orlando Ballet is opening its production of "Carmen" tonight at Steinmetz Hall, running from February 12-15. Choreographed by Kenneth Tindall, this version of the classic story emphasizes the heat and intensity of the characters' relationships, with the dancers drawing upon their emotional connection to bring the drama to life. The iconic Bizet score has been reworked with new arrangements featuring flamenco-style guitar and immersive sound design to heighten the production's passion.

Why it matters

Carmen is a timeless tale of love, obsession and tragic consequences. Orlando Ballet's interpretation aims to make the classic story resonate with modern audiences by tapping into the raw, primal emotions at the heart of the characters' choices and conflicts.

The details

Artistic Director Jorden Morris has said the dancers "draw upon their passion to make the characters believable and come to life," emphasizing that the power of the ballet comes from emotional truth as much as technical precision. The production also features new arrangements of Georges Bizet's iconic score, layering in flamenco-style guitar and immersive sound design to heighten the drama.

  • Orlando Ballet's "Carmen" opens tonight, February 12, 2026.
  • The production runs through February 15, 2026.

The players

Orlando Ballet

A professional ballet company based in Orlando, Florida.

Kenneth Tindall

The choreographer who created the new production of "Carmen" for Orlando Ballet.

Jorden Morris

The Artistic Director of Orlando Ballet.

Alexandra Harwood

The composer who reworked the iconic Bizet score for the new production.

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What they’re saying

“The dancers 'draw upon their passion to make the characters believable and come to life,' emphasizing that the power of the ballet comes from emotional truth as much as technical precision.”

— Jorden Morris, Artistic Director, Orlando Ballet (Miami Living Magazine)

What’s next

Tickets for Orlando Ballet's "Carmen" are on sale now, with performances running from February 12-15, 2026.

The takeaway

Orlando Ballet's new production of "Carmen" promises to bring the classic story to life with raw, visceral emotion, blending fiery choreography with a reworked score to create an immersive theatrical experience for audiences this Valentine's weekend.