Florida Dance Theatre Tickets

Florida Dance Theatre, founded in 1993 in Lakeland, Florida, is Polk County’s premier professional dance company and training school. Born from Lakeland Ballet and led for years by artistic visionary Carol Erkes, the organization grew into a cornerstone of the region’s performing arts scene. Although the company faced funding challenges and closed in 2025, its legacy lives on in the memories of vibrant performances, dynamic outreach, and the training opportunities it provided to aspiring dancers. This page honors the company’s history, highlights its impact on Lakeland and Polk County, and notes past performance venues and programs.

For decades, Florida Dance Theatre produced three major productions each year and offered outreach programs to delight audiences of all ages. Prior to its closure, performances were hosted at local Lakeland venues such as the Polk Theatre. Fans and students can explore the company’s archival materials, rewatch past performances on linked social media channels, and connect with Lakeland’s dance community through related arts organizations. If you’re seeking current dance opportunities in Lakeland, we’ve got you covered with nearby local companies and schools continuing the region’s rich dance tradition.