Key West International Dance Company to Debut With Five Multicultural Productions

Audiences can enjoy five eclectic, multicultural dance productions this fall beginning Thursday, Oct. 3, when the Key West International Dance Company launches its inaugural season in the island city.

The company was founded by performer, writer and director Pamela Stephenson Connolly, whose global career encompasses many styles of dance as well as comedy and screen performances.

After living for nearly a decade in the Lower Keys and Key West, she has created an ensemble of Florida Keys talents and associate artists to present original productions that salute the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage. 

The inaugural season is to launch with “Gate 54B,” an exploration of life-changing connections, challenges and resilience that features an airport setting and an Argentinian tango flair. Six shows are to be staged between Oct. 3 and Oct. 12.

The hilarious “Bum Farto the Musical,” based on the outrageous real-life exploits of a renegade Key West fire chief, is to entertain audiences Oct. 17-26. Stephenson Connolly produced an earlier version of the show in 2022 in Key West, where it had a sold-out run and received rave reviews for its exuberance, sly humor and stellar displays of talent.

The existentially eerie “Dark Night of the Soul,” inspired by Spanish mysticism and set in the Renaissance era, is to have a Halloween debut Thursday, Oct. 31, with subsequent performances scheduled through Nov. 9. Both sensual and spiritual, the production is to feature evocative original music by Dan Krysa.

The focus turns from mystical to mystery in the next production, “Lambada is Dead — Long Live Lambada!” Exploring the history and rhythms of the cultural dance phenomenon, the show is a murder mystery featuring Key West’s world-renowned lambada master, Braz dos Santos. Shows are to take place between Nov. 14 and Nov. 23.

“Fiesta de Navidad Tropical!,” a holiday celebration of Latin dance with audience participation and a live band, is to close the company’s inaugural season. Blending irrepressible Key West spirit and unforgettable holiday characters, the dance extravaganza is to run Nov. 29 through Dec. 7.

“This season isn't just about showcasing diverse dance styles — it’s also about celebrating Key West's rich cultural heritage and eclectic spirit,” said Stephenson Connolly. “I encourage everyone to come along and join us."

All performances take place in the theater at Key West’s historic San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St. Ticket prices range from $35 to $90 per person depending on seat location. Tickets can be purchased at keystix.com/keywestinternationaldancecompany.

Company and performance information: kwinternationaldancecompany.com

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