For the past three decades, the Island Moving Company has been making a scene, literally, all around Newport. Established in February, 1982, the classically trained contemporary ballet company has put on several shows a year at their stage on Charles Street and beyond.

Artistic Director Miki Ohlsen was one of the moving forces behind the company in its earliest days, when about ten people decided it was time to present new work to the community. The Island Moving Co. had its first performance at the then Newport Art Association.

Ohlsen recalled their first performance in February 1982, which had been scheduled in the yet-to-be refurbished Casino Theatre.

“The roof fell in and we had to scramble to find a place to perform,” she said.

The show must and did go on, and the company ended up dancing across the stage at Rogers High School.

It’s not the shows in particular that Ohlsen remembers most vividly, she said, but the “favorite incidents and milestones.”

Adding an outdoor summer series in at St. George’s in 1990 was a “remarkable experience” that Ohlsen remembers fondly.

The company, known for recent performances of The Nutcracker during the Christmas season and of Dracula, currently consists of eight dancers, who represent talent from across the country. Three made short journeys to Newport’s stage from Providence and Jamestown.

Ohlsen said the company is a collaborator in the community by working closely and partnering with local artists and nonprofits, such as the Newport County Preservation Society.

“It’s a back and forth relationship,” she said. ”It’s one of the things we’re known for.”

Over the past 30 years, the company has evolved from not even being able to pay its dancers to providing generous salaries for them.

“For a company of our budgetary size, we provide a vast number of weeks compared to other companies,” Ohlsen said.

Island Moving Co. is now working on Mother Goose at Rosecliff, which will premiere on March 2.

“We intend to be around for another 30 years,” Ohlsen said.