Kim Tuttle, Executive Artistic Director and Choreographer-in-Residence of DANB took over the artistic reins in 1986, turning a regionally company of quality into a nationally recognized touring company and a designated state touring company for Florida for over two decades.  Dance Alive National Ballet has toured 17 states and Costa Rica, establishing its reputation as a vital, energetic, and artistically innovative ballet company.

 

Ms. Tuttle served on the staff of the Stuttgart Ballet as a pianist and ballet instructor and later served as Ballet Mistress for the Zurich Ballet, under the Artistic Direction of Balanchine expert Patricia Neary.  Ms. Tuttle's musical background, fully explored as a recording chamber pianist, is fundamental to her gift as a thriving and prolific choreographer.  She has created over 100 ballets.  In recognition of her talent, she received three choreographic fellowships from the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs.  She has served as a staff pianist for the University of Florida, accompanying faculty and visiting artists.  She initiated the original ballet program at Santa Fe Community College and continued her input as artistic advisor at the inception of the present SFC dance program by staffing, programming, and choreographing.  Ms. Tuttle served on the State of Florida Dance Panel and was co-recipient of the prestigious Nancy Smith Award by the Florida Dance Association for "Outstanding Leadership and Excellence in Dance" and the Santa Fe College Women of Distinction in 2011.

 

In 2018 Ms. Tuttle received the "Distinguished Alumna Award" from the University of Florida.