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. Since 2018, TCB has produced over 150 events, 220 performances, and 40 collaborations.

The company has premiered 25 original works. Signature full-length productions such as If I Cry – Frida Kahlo Diaries, 7th Avenue and Ybor, and Carmen 2022 have been praised for blending contemporary dance with history, identity, and emotional depth. Site-specific projects like The Museum Series, performed in museums and nontraditional spaces, reflect TCB’s commitment to resilience and multidisciplinary themes. 102 Degrees, a short film created during COVID, received awards at seven international festivals. Through its ERA: Emerging and Resident Choreographers, TCB integrates dance with AI, projection mapping, and innovative stage design, positioning Florida as a future hub of creativity and technology.