Tampa City Ballet

Tampa City Ballet (TCB) was founded in 2012 by Artistic Director Paula Nuñez, a former professional dancer and longtime University of South Florida (USF) faculty member. However, the company fully launched in 2018. It began as a creative space after the passing of Nuñez’s husband, who had built a studio for her. Nuñez transformed this personal space into a platform for experimentation, mentorship, and the creation of new work, offering her students and emerging artists opportunities to grow. Since then, TCB has evolved into a professional, project-based, volunteer-led dance company known for bold storytelling, artistic excellence, and strong community engagement. Accessibility is central to its mission, with scholarships for underserved youth, mentorship for early-career choreographers, and works that reflect Tampa Bay’s cultural richness.