Spotlight on Dance, Tallahassee

Pas de Vie Ballet takes its name from the French for "step of life," a phrase that not only points to a guiding belief in its art form's vitality, but also in its role in the lives of its dancers. Indeed, Pas de Vie's artistic director, Natalia Botha, and its ballet master, Charles Hagan, are devoted to dance—both enjoyed professional careers before turning their focus to choreography and instruction. Today, their company shares the joy of classical dance with the Tallahassee community, hosting outreach programs for local youth and staging sparkling productions ranging from short pieces to an annual take on The Nutcracker.