Florida Dance Theatre
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FOUNDER

CAROL ERKES - FOUNDER of FLORIDA DANCE THEATRE

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Ms. Erkes, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, brought to Lakeland a world of experience as both a professional dancer and teacher. She began her professional career at the age of 15 performing with the Ohio Chamber Ballet/Ohio Ballet in Akron. She was a soloist with Cincinnati Ballet and August Ballet and taught and danced with Southern Ballet Theatre (now Orlando Ballet) and Texas Ballet. She has been featured as a Guest Artist with numerous ballet companies including New Mexico Ballet, Ballet Orlando, San Diego Metropolitan Ballet, Houston Civic Ballet, and Vero Beach Ballet. She has been a faculty member at Augusta Ballet, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, James Dance Center, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and guest instructor at the School of Performing Arts, Harrison Arts, Rochelle School of the Arts, Dr. Phillips High School, University of South Carolina, Osceola School of the Arts and All Saint’s Academy. She is on faculty each summer at the Masters of Dance Workshop in Connecticut at the Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts. Ms. Erkes is a member of the Polk Arts Alliance, The Lakeland Chamber, the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and a former board member of the Florida Dance Association.

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What Our Families and Students Are Saying

"Our girls have excelled at Florida Dance Theatre. This dance academy takes the instruction of our children seriously and it shows!"

"Polk County is fortunate to have in its midst a vital arts organization, firmly rooted in its commitment to the immediate community and to the wider world of the arts."

"Carol Erkes' mission is to give the children of central Florida the opportunity to learn the living art form of dance! Thank you Ms. Carol for all you do!"

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Contact Us

  863.802.0399
PARENT PORTAL
  • Home
  • Events
    • Nutcracker Spectacular
    • Nutcracker Suites Bartow
    • Past Events
  • About FDT
    • History
    • Our Mission
    • Founder
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Volunteering
    • What People Are Saying
    • In The News
    • Branscomb Auditorium
  • Company
    • Contact the Company
    • Company Pic Gallery
    • Company Video Gallery
    • Company Members >
      • Molly Ahler
      • Stefan Dolbashian
      • Denton Gay
      • Caitlin Hardegree
      • Michael Holland
      • Katrina Ogden
      • Jordan Raybon
      • Jermaine Thornton
    • Apprentices >
      • Maggie Sullivan
    • Trainees >
      • Elizabeth Stayskal
    • Student Trainees >
      • Liah Avegno
      • Chloe Knox
      • Leah Milstead
    • Touring
  • Academy
    • Contact the Academy
    • Parent Portal
    • Tuition, Fees, Discounts & Suggested Programs
    • Class Descriptions
    • Class Schedule
    • Policies & FAQs
    • Summer Dance Programs
    • Dress Code
  • Support
    • Why Give to FDT