Doc Ford's is much more than waterfront views, cool cocktails and Yucatan shrimp
Sure, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille on Fort Myers Beach is known for its waterfront views, seafood favorites (we're looking at you Yucatan shrimp) and frozen drinks. And as much as local and visiting customers love it, the folks who work there enjoy giving back just as much.
'We love being part of the community,' said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, which owns four Doc Ford's locations, Dixie Fish Company and Bonita Fish Company (Previously known as Bonita Bill's). 'Whenever there's a volunteer event, our employees will sign up. They come in on their days off to do it. Use their own time. They just love it. That's just one of the awesome things about this staff.'
Take last month's Tunaskin Beach Keepers Club's beach cleanup for example.
Volunteers from Doc Ford's and Dixie Fish House spent three hours collecting trash on the beach, filling 12 garbage bags with everything from gloves, hats and shoes to footballs and Christmas decorations. Doc Ford's also donated bean dip and ceviche meals for the event's 350 participating volunteers.
'Since we're primarily waterfront properties, we want to play a role in beach cleanups and clean water programs,' Harrity said. 'We'd be remiss if we didn't get involved. It's our second year doing this and we'll continue to participate.'
Captains for Clean Water is also big on Doc Ford's list.
'Folks from that organization come in fairly often,' Harrity said. 'So we support them. It's a revolving door.'
You can help keep it going as well by simply ordering a cocktail.
'Our drink menu has a section with eight signature drinks tied to a charity,' he said. 'One dollar from every drink is donated. People love them.'
Many of the fun and creative drinks (our favorites include the Sanibel Stoop and Babe on the Bay, both made with Wicked Dolphin mango rum) were created by Doc Ford's customers.
Captains for Clean Water and Golisano Children's Hospital are the current recipients locally. Drinks from the St. Pete locations support Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
In the news: Cape Coral, Fort Myers restaurants scramble to keep up with rising egg costs
More than $133,000 has been raised for the children's hospitals since the program began in 2006.
F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Track to Trail Thoroughbreds and Sanibel CARES are other causes Doc Ford's has recently supported. The annual 'Ding' Darling & Doc Ford's Tarpon Tournament — on May 9 this year — has raised $1.3 million for conservation and water-quality research at the island's J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge since 2012.
'We're just doing our part in the community,' Harrity said. 'That's what's so awesome about it. We're just supporting the people who support us. We all help each other.'
Doc Ford's, 708 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 765-9660; 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel, (239) 472-8311; docfords.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Doc Ford's, Dixie Fish Co. more than waterfront views, fresh seafood
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This article is published by a partner of TIME. Ballet is one of the most enduring and enchanting art forms the world has ever seen. From its origins in the lavish courts of Renaissance Italy to its refinement in France and Russia, ballet has mesmerized audiences for centuries, and many timeless ballets continue to stand out and leave their mark. These performances have captured imaginations across generations and are celebrated for their intricate choreography, stunning music, and compelling storytelling. What makes a ballet truly iconic? It's not just the dance steps. It's a combination of music, artistry, costumes, and the ability to tell a story without uttering a single word. These ballets have transcended time, culture, and language, drawing fans into fantastical worlds filled with passion, tragedy, and wonder. From tragic swan maidens to fairytale kingdoms, these works represent the best of ballet's potential to create unforgettable experiences. So, whether you're curious about which productions deserve a spot on your must-see list or you're already reminiscing about your favorites, we've got you covered. Here are the top 10 most famous ballets of all time—selected based on research assistance from ChatGPT and a former professional ballet dancer—that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. 1. Swan Lake (1877) No list of famous ballets would be complete without 'Swan Lake.' Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and first performed in 1877, it tells the story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. Odette's only chance at freedom lies in true love, but her hopes are dashed when the sorcerer's daughter, Odile, deceives Prince Siegfried. This timeless masterpiece is known for its emotional depth, intricate choreography, and the iconic white swan and black swan roles danced by the same ballerina. Premiere: March 4, 1877, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow Choreographers: Originally Julius Reisinger; later reimagined by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Signature Scene: The mesmerizing "Dance of the Little Swans." Notable Character: Odile, the dark and cunning black swan. Famous Music: Tchaikovsky's hauntingly beautiful score. Cultural Impact: Has become synonymous with ballet itself and is often featured in films, commercials, and pop culture. 2. The Nutcracker (1892) Tchaikovsky strikes again with 'The Nutcracker,' a ballet that has become a holiday tradition worldwide. The story follows young Clara as her Nutcracker doll transforms into a prince, leading her on a magical journey through the Land of Sweets. Along the way, she encounters the Sugar Plum Fairy and a variety of delightful characters who dance in her honor. The ballet's vibrant, festive imagery and unforgettable music have made it a staple of the Christmas season. Controversies Surrounding The Nutcracker and Other Ballets While The Nutcracker remains beloved, it has also faced criticism for its portrayal of certain ethnic dances, such as the Arabian, Chinese, and Russian variations, which some argue perpetuate outdated stereotypes. These sections, often performed with exaggerated or culturally insensitive gestures and costumes, have prompted discussions about reimagining these moments to better reflect respect and authenticity. Similarly, other classic ballets like 'La Bayadère' and 'The Golden Cockerel' have been scrutinized for their depictions of non-European cultures, often through the lens of exoticism. These issues highlight the challenge of balancing historical fidelity with modern sensibilities in a way that honors the art form while fostering inclusivity and respect. 3. The Sleeping Beauty (1890) 'The Sleeping Beauty' is another Tchaikovsky classic, first performed in 1890. Based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale, it tells the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a deep sleep. Only true love's kiss from Prince Désiré can awaken her and break the spell. This ballet is celebrated for its grandeur, stunning costumes, and demanding choreography, especially Aurora's iconic solos. Premiere: January 15, 1890, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Choreographer: Marius Petipa. Famous Scene: Aurora's breathtaking "Rose Adagio." Notable Character: Carabosse, the villainous fairy. Famous Music: Tchaikovsky's lush and sweeping orchestration. Legacy: Known as one of the most technically challenging ballets for dancers. 4. Giselle (1841) 'Giselle' is the quintessential Romantic ballet, first performed in 1841. It tells the tragic story of Giselle, a peasant girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a commoner. When Giselle discovers Albrecht's engagement to another, she dies of a broken heart. In death, she joins the Wilis, ghostly spirits of betrayed brides who force men to dance until they perish. Despite her heartbreak, Giselle protects Albrecht from their vengeance. Premiere: June 28, 1841, at the Paris Opera Ballet. Choreographers: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Famous Scene: The ghostly Wilis' haunting dance in Act II. Notable Character: Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis. Famous Music: Composed by Adolphe Adam. Cultural Influence: Often cited as one of the greatest Romantic-era ballets. 5. Don Quixote (1869) Based on Cervantes' novel, 'Don Quixote' brings joy, energy, and Spanish flair to the stage. First performed in 1869 with music by Ludwig Minkus, it follows the adventures of Kitri and Basilio, two lovers whose relationship is opposed by Kitri's father. With the eccentric Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza entering the mix, hilarity, and romance ensue in this vibrant production. 6. Romeo and Juliet (1938) Sergei Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet' brings Shakespeare's tragic love story to the ballet stage. First performed in 1938, the ballet follows the passionate yet ill-fated romance of Romeo and Juliet. Their love blossoms in defiance of their feuding families, the Capulets and Montagues, but ends in devastating tragedy. Premiere: December 30, 1938, in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Choreographer: Leonid Lavrovsky (original production). Famous Scene: The poignant Balcony Scene. Notable Characters: Romeo and Juliet. Famous Music: Prokofiev's "Dance of the Knights." Storyline: Stays true to Shakespeare's classic tragedy. 7. Coppélia (1870) 'Coppélia' is a lighthearted ballet filled with humor and charm. Premiering in 1870, it tells the story of Franz, a young man infatuated with a mysterious girl named Coppélia. When his fiancée Swanilda discovers that Coppélia is merely a lifelike doll created by Dr. Coppélius, she devises a clever plan to teach Franz a lesson. Premiere: May 25, 1870, at the Paris Opera Ballet. Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Léon. Famous Scene: Swanilda's comedic imitation of the doll. Notable Character: Dr. Coppélius, the eccentric toymaker. Famous Music: Composed by Léo Delibes. Tone: Known for its lighthearted and comedic storyline. 8. La Bayadère (1877) Set in exotic India, 'La Bayadère' tells the tale of Nikiya, a beautiful temple dancer, and her ill-fated love for Solor, a noble warrior. Betrayal, jealousy, and tragedy unfold, leading to the dreamlike "Kingdom of the Shades," where Nikiya's spirit haunts Solor for eternity. Premiere: February 4, 1877, at the Bolshoi Theatre. Choreographer: Marius Petipa. Famous Scene: "The Kingdom of the Shades." Notable Characters: Nikiya and Solor. Famous Music: Composed by Ludwig Minkus. 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