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Gaspar: A Pirate Fantasy will take the stage at Tampa's Straz Center on January 29, 2012 for two performances at 1pm and 6pm.  Tickets start at $19.

The swashbuckling ballet features pirates, swordfighters, acrobats, and true love.  Again this year, principal dancers from BalletFleming in Philadelphia will perform lead roles with local dancers taking part as supporting cast.

Appearing in the role of Gaspar is Alex Crozier-Jackson. He has toured with companies in the US and in Europe, in addition to his work with BalletFleming. The female lead role of Christina is Adrianna de Svastich also a member of BalletFleming. She has performed with the New York City Ballet and the Pennsylvania Ballet. She appeared in the Natalie Portman movie, Black Swan and is a student at the University of Pennsylvania.

Proceeds from Gaspar will go to three Bay Area non-profits: American Red Cross -Tampa Bay Chapter, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, and Drew's Shoes, a Tampa based charity that supplies dance shoes to needy children. Last year's production raised more than $60,000 for charity. Gaspar: A Pirate Fantasy has broad-based support.

Contributors include: The Richard & Sharon Sanchez Family Foundation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, AT&T, and the Tampa Bay Rays.

World renowned choreographer Christopher Fleming, who created Gaspar, is adding an expanded wedding scene this year and is including acrobats in the carnival scene. Fleming held master classes and auditions in the Bay Area in August. Since Fleming does not operate a dance school in Florida, he depends on the support of local teachers.

Fleming is an internationally known choreographer and ballet master whose company BalletFleming is based in Philadelphia. He is a former member of New York City Ballet, has worked artistically in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Russia, and the United States, was Artistic
Director of the Compania Colombiana de Ballet in Bogota, Colombia and also of Bay Ballet Theatre in Tampa, and he was Co-Director of Contrast Dance Theater in New York City.

For more information visit: www.gasparballet.com.