Business Details
48 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Company & Training in Jacksonville, FL
The Florida Ballet has been Northeast Florida's premier professional ballet company since its founding in 1978. Our mission is to enrich the community through classical ballet education, world-class performances, and inclusive outreach programs. With over 45 years of experience, we serve more than 35,000 community members annually through diverse initiatives including professional dance performances, training programs for students of all ages, and community engagement projects. Our artistic team, led by Artistic Director Roberto Forleo, presents a dynamic repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, while our training center offers the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. We maintain a permanent 30,000 sq. ft. facility in Arlington, Florida, and perform at prestigious venues including The Florida Theatre and UNF Fine Arts Center.Our commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access ensures that ballet remains accessible to all, regardless of background or financial means. Through partnerships with local organizations and schools, we provide after-school programs, abbreviated performances, and scholarship opportunities to nurture future generations of dancers and audiences.
Services
Ballet Training
Professional Performances
Community Outreach
Summer Programs
Conservatory Program
After-School Classes
Youth Performances
Dance Education
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 years of professional ballet experience in Northeast Florida
- Our training center features the American Ballet Theatre National Curriculum
- We present 4-6 annual performances at premier Jacksonville venues
- Our community outreach programs serve over 35,000 residents annually
- We maintain a permanent 30,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated to dance
What people say
World class dance
Technical ability of dancers
Incredible production quality
Positive youth development
Professional and accessible
Services
Ballet Training
Our comprehensive ballet training program serves students aged 3 through adult. Using the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, we combine classical techniques with child development principles. Students receive personalized instruction from experienced faculty in a supportive environment that nurtures both recreational dancers and future professionals.
Professional Performances
We present 4-6 annual performances featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Our season includes The Nutcracker, original choreographies, and collaborations with international artists. Performances take place at premier venues including The Florida Theatre and UNF Fine Arts Center, offering audiences diverse dance experiences.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives bring ballet to underserved communities through in-school residencies and after-school classes. We provide free and low-cost dance education to over 35,000 community members annually, including special programs for boys and abbreviated performances designed for young audiences.
Summer Programs
Our intensive summer training programs offer specialized instruction for serious dance students. These programs focus on technical development, artistic growth, and performance preparation. Participants receive training from professional faculty and gain stage experience through performance opportunities.
Conservatory Program
This pre-professional program prepares students for careers in dance through rigorous technical training and performance experience. Students receive individualized coaching, participate in full-length productions, and develop the skills needed for professional dance careers through structured curriculum and mentorship.
People
Roberto Forleo
Artistic Director
Roberto Forleo leads our artistic vision as Artistic Director, bringing international experience to Northeast Florida. He oversees all performance programming and dancer development, creating innovative productions that showcase both classical mastery and contemporary creativity.
Olivier Munoz
Ballet Master
Olivier Munoz serves as Ballet Master, guiding our professional company's technical excellence. With extensive performance experience, he provides expert instruction and artistic direction for our dancers, ensuring the highest standards of classical ballet technique.
Questions
What types of dance classes do you offer?
We offer ballet training for ages 3 through adult, including recreational classes and pre-professional programs. Our curriculum follows the American Ballet Theatre National Training standards.
How can I attend a performance?
Performances are held at The Florida Theatre, UNF Fine Arts Center, and other local venues. Tickets are available through our website or at the venue box offices.
Are there community programs available?
Yes! We provide after-school classes, in-school residencies, and free performances for underserved communities through our outreach initiatives.
How was the company established?
Founded in 1978 by Laurie Picinich-Byrd and Michael Byrd, we became Northeast Florida's professional ballet company after re-establishing our professional troupe in 2019.
What training opportunities exist for aspiring professionals?
Our Conservatory Program and Trainee Program offer advanced training with performance opportunities. Students receive mentorship from professional dancers and prepare for careers in dance.
Reviews (5)
Tabatha Lopez
Jun 01, 2021
Report
This is a beautiful space created for a small intimate show due to covid. Socially distanced temp checks sanitation and masks required. We loved it. I have been 2 times in the last year to see a show and have left touched each time. Patrick is my favorite dancer and the reason i came to watch a show. The artistry and physicality of each dancer is amazing here.
Anita Herrin
May 31, 2021
Report
This is an amazing opportunity to experience dance. The new facility is easy to get to and spacious. The dancers are gifted.
Danielle Reliford
Jul 22, 2019
Report
I take the open Jazz classes here on Wednesday evenings. The instructor is great and the price for the dance card is really good.
Literate Griffin
Jun 19, 2018
Report
We didn't start here: We started at a school I loved, but much further away. I drove past The Florida Ballet every day to get there, but assumed they were too "elite" and expensive for us to get in. When the drive became too much for me, I contacted The Florida Ballet. What I discovered was that they are affordable -- much more so than I expected. What I discovered is that there are 3 dance-rooms, large changing-rooms for students, and a waiting area for parents. What I discovered is a groiup of fantastic teachers with both a great deal of skill at dance, and in dealing with the variety of students
Beth Umberger
Nov 14, 2016
Report
Professional faculty with excellent training and a love for the art of ballet and the art of coaching dancers with positive energy.
