Dear Friend of the Arts,

Florida Dance Theatre, Polk County’s only professional dance company, is preparing for its 13th season of performances at the historic Polk Theatre.  The upcoming season promises to be entertaining and exciting with imaginative new choreography designed especially for the company’s versatile professional dancers.   We would like to ask you to consider being a sponsor for the upcoming 2006–2007 season.  You, as a friend of the arts, can play a key role in helping our talented company continue to make Lakeland and all of Polk County a more culturally rich and enjoyable place to live and work.

This season opens in October with Latin Passions, a classically inspired evening accompanied by world-renowned classical pianist and composer, Juvenal Correa-Salas.  In December our annual Nutcracker Sweets Holiday Celebration, a holiday concert with songs of the season and a delightfully danced Nutcracker Suite, featuring the professional dancers of Florida Dance Theatre, along with performers from the Polk County area.  In March, INNOVATION Dance! II,  presents a night of contemporary dance with exciting world premiere works of innovative new choreography by Ferdinand De Jesus, Carol Erkes, and guest choreographers.

In the past twelve seasons, “artistic contributions” from great supporters such as yourselves have been a vital part of the funding that has allowed us to continue expanding our educational and outreach programs.  The 6th Annual Free Summer Youth Dance Camp, which consists of five one week long camps, provides children from economically challenged families the opportunity to participate in a variety of dance technique classes as well as pantomime, art, and cultural dance classes.  Leaps and Bounds a scholarship program designed to reward promising students from the Summer Youth Dance Camp.  The Academy for Florida Dance Theatre Merit Scholarships is a scholarship program assisting in the cost of tuition at the Academy of Florida Dance Theatre.  Arts in Education Series presents an informative story book ballet at Polk County elementary schools with little or no arts funding.  And to add to these outreach programs, Florida Dance Theatre has developed working community based outreach programs with the Lakeland Housing Authority, Explorations V Children’s Museum, Family Fundamentals, Salvation Army, and upcoming proposals from.

But without the generosity of our individual donors and corporate partners it would be impossible to achieve our mission and expand our sphere of excellence.  Alternative contributions can be made through advertising in our season programs, and any contribution is appreciated and accepted by the friends and family of Florida Dance Theatre.  Please consider contributing.  Your donations will be tax-deductible and credited in all production programs.  We look forward to hearing from you in regards to your sponsorship so that Florida Dance Theatre may continue to excite Polk County’s youth and entertain our dedicated audiences for years to come.

Ballet Barre Sponsors

Diamond Barre $5,000+ benefits include a full-page ad in all programs and 8 season tickets.

Platinum Barre $2,500+ benefits include a half-page ad in all programs and 4 season tickets.

Golden Barre $1,000+ benefits include a half-page and in all programs

Silver Barre $500+ benefits include a quarter-page ad in all programs

Dance Patrons $250+ recognition in all programs

Dance Associates $100+ recognition in all programs

Dance Friends $25+ recognition in all programs

Thank you,

Carol Erkes

Artistic/Founding Director