male and female dancers on stage during Florida Dance Theatre performance in Lakeland, FL

Florida Dance Theatre

Polk County’s only professional dance company and training school. The company presents three major performances each year.

Stay up to date with our facebook! Give us a like.Florida Dance Theatre, Polk County’s only professional dance company and training academy, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.  Formerly known as Lakeland Ballet, Florida Dance Theatre was founded in 1993 by artistic director, Carol Krajacic Erkes.  It was originally intended only as a training school, but Ms. Erkes was impressed by the talent available in the Polk County region; and while recognizing a lack of dance programming in the area, she formed Polk County’s first, and to this date, only professional dance company.  Incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Florida Dance Theatre was created to make presentations of the art of dance, produced under professional standards available to the community at large and to stimulate local interest and awareness of the beautiful art form of dance.  Through the additional artistry of guest choreographers, the company has built a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming.  Florida artists along with professional dancers from around the United States, Russia, Puerto Rico, and Mexico have made Florida Dance Theatre a thriving, powerful, and positive arts organization dedicated to the highest quality in performance, instruction, and community education.  The auxiliary training academy offers a curriculum of instruction in classical ballet, jazz, modern, and more.  The faculty of the Academy of Florida Dance Theatre is drawn from the ranks of the professional company and other area professionals ensuring the students a credible source of insight and experience. Carol Erkes retired as the Executive Director in June 2019.

Several Academy students have gone on to pursue their professional careers with other companies including the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Met, Memphis Ballet, Ballet Magnificat, the Smuin Company, and Hartford Ballet. Many students have also received scholarships to college dance programs including Florida State, Southern Methodist University and Goucher College.

In addition to performing, the professional company of Florida Dance Theatre has strong roots in its outreach programs.  Educational partnerships with various organizations such as Family Fundamentals, Salvation Army, and the Lakeland Housing Authority, summer camps, scholarship programs and in-school Arts in Education performance series over the years have kept Florida Dance Theatre connected to the community through education and entertainment.

LEARN & DISCOVER

Family taking selfie in front of LEGO Movie World

5 Great Reasons to Spend a Weekend in Winter Haven

Ready to book a family-friendly weekend getaway? Here’s a list of 5 exceptionally fun things to during weekend in Winter...

See Details
LEGO Globe at PLANET LEGOLAND at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, FL

Re-Imagine & Rebuild the World at PLANET LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven has introduced a world with no rules just pure creativity… PLANET LEGOLAND® opening April...

See Details
IG ciaraliebl on couch at Unfiltered Coffee in Bartow, FL - one of the Most Instagram-Worthy Places in Central Florida

Most Instagram-Worthy Places in Central Florida

Trip planning on Instagram is definitely a thing and we love finding new places to take pictures at Central Florida,...

See Details
Exterior of 3-story Wonder House in Bartow, FL

Historic Central Florida Sites That Everyone Should See

Whether you’re just visiting the area or a lifelong resident of Polk County, there is so much history in and...

See Details
Two dogs and owner hiking at lake kissimmee state park

Dog Friendly Spots in Central Florida

We understand that your pets are just as important as your human family members. So we created a list of...

See Details
Photo of scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes at The Terrace Grille in Lakeland, FL

Top Brunch Spots in Central Florida

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then brunch is the most important meal of the week!...

See Details
Kids walking outside of Beach Retreat Bungalows at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, FL

Alternative Places to Stay in Central Florida

If you’re looking for cheaper places to stay near Disney World or any of the great attractions of Central Florida...

See Details
Lina Greco's weekend getaway with a stop to Bok Tower Gardens

Weekend Getaway in Central Florida

Lina Greco worked in partnership with Visit Central Florida to create this Weekend Getaway Travel Recap. Weekend Getaway to Central...

See Details
I can see the weekend from here!????⁠• • •⁠????: @emily.ruthann⁠.⁠Having trouble finding the perfect gift for that thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie in you life? Well, @JumpFloridaSkydiving might just be the answer!⁠.⁠Jump Florida Skydiving welcomes first-timers and experienced jumpers at their Lake Wales location. Right now, they are offering numerous Holiday Gift Card Packages, perfect for beginners!⁠.⁠What they offer:⁠- Tandem (First Time) Skydiving⁠- Skydive License Training (AFF)⁠- Experienced Jumpers⁠.⁠Click the link in our bio to learn more.⁠.⁠.⁠.⁠#skydiving #skydive #adrenalinejunkie #JumpFloridaSkydiving #FloridaSkydiving #TandemSkydiving #CentralFlorida #VisitCentralFL #LoveFL

Top 10 Adrenaline-Rush Activities in Central Florida

Central Florida’s Polk County, nestled between Orlando and Tampa, is the ultimate outdoor destination in Florida, and is packed with...

See Details
Family taking selfie at the lagoon during LEGOLAND Piratefest Weekend

Top 10 Reasons to Visit LEGOLAND Florida in 2023

The number one theme park for little kids is opening new attractions and hosting lots of great seasonal events throughout...

See Details
water ripples used as email signup background

Subscribe to EMAIL LIST

Join our email list and stay up to date with all the great things happening in Florida’s Sweetest Spot.