FrediDance Project

FrediDance Project, located in Lakeland, Florida, is a dynamic and innovative non-profit contemporary dance company that has been enriching the local arts scene since its inception in 2011. Under the artistic direction of Ferdinand De Jesus, this organization is committed to nurturing the talents of aspiring dancers, from young enthusiasts to those on a pre-professional path. More than just a dance studio, FrediDance Project serves as a hub for artistic development, emphasizing rigorous training, creative exploration, and the powerful use of dance as a medium for social commentary and personal growth.

As the in-house dance company of Ultimate Dance Center, FrediDance Project offers a unique blend of intensive programs and performance opportunities. They are particularly recognized for their focus on contemporary dance, a genre that allows for profound artistic expression and often explores a wide range of themes, including gender identity and broader social issues. This commitment to both technical excellence and meaningful artistic discourse makes FrediDance Project a distinctive and valuable asset to the Lakeland community and the wider Florida arts landscape. They strive to inspire young dancers to pursue professional dance careers, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and artistic maturity.

FrediDance Project is conveniently situated at 2890 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA. This location places the dance company within a well-established area of Lakeland, ensuring easy accessibility for students and families from across the city and surrounding Polk County. The studio's presence in this accessible part of town means that aspiring dancers can readily commute to classes, rehearsals, and performances. For detailed directions, locals can simply input the address into their preferred navigation system, which will guide them directly to the Ultimate Dance Center, where FrediDance Project holds its programs.

To ensure students can fully engage with their intensive programs and classes, FrediDance Project operates with schedules designed to maximize learning and development. While specific class timings and program dates, especially for intensives, are best confirmed directly with the organization, they consistently offer structured training opportunities throughout the year, including specialized summer programs. Prospective students and their families in Florida are encouraged to reach out via phone or email for the most current information regarding schedules, auditions, and enrollment, ensuring they don't miss out on the chance to be part of this vibrant dance community.

FrediDance Project offers a specialized range of services, primarily focused on contemporary dance and comprehensive dancer development. Their programs are designed to cater to intermediate and advanced students, preparing them for pre-professional and professional dance careers.

Services Offered:

• Contemporary Dance Training: Core instruction in contemporary dance techniques, focusing on fluidity, emotional expression, and innovative choreography.
• Ballet Training: Essential classical ballet instruction to provide a strong technical foundation, crucial for all serious dance forms.
• Jazz Dance Training: Classes in jazz, emphasizing rhythm, coordination, and dynamic performance.
• Hip Hop Dance Training: Exploration of various hip hop styles, promoting individuality and energetic performance.
• Modern Dance Training: Incorporating foundations of modern dance technique, including suspension and release, fall and recovery, and the use of momentum.
• Lyrical Dance Training: Combining ballet and jazz techniques with emotional storytelling through movement.
• Acrobatics: Integrating acrobatic elements to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance, crucial for diverse contemporary choreography.
• Musical Theatre Dance: Classes that fuse dance with acting and singing, preparing students for theatrical performances.
• Intensive Programs: Rigorous, short-term programs (like their "BELIEVE" Summer Intensive) designed for intermediate and advanced dancers aged 12 and up, focusing on pre-professional level training.
• Choreographic Exploration: Opportunities for students to engage in and develop their own choreographic works, fostering creativity and a deeper understanding of dance composition.
• Technique Strengthening: Focused exercises and drills to build physical strength, flexibility, and refine dance technique across various styles.
• Personal Development: Programs that support students' overall growth, building confidence, discipline, and professionalism.
• Career Building Connections: Assistance and networking opportunities to help students acquire lifelong connections within the dance industry.
• Dance History and Theory Education: Educational components to broaden dancers' understanding of the art form's background and theoretical underpinnings.
• Healthy Lifestyle Support: Guidance on maintaining healthy lifestyles, with a focus on injury prevention and general well-being for dancers.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular chances for students and company members to perform in various showcases, galas, and community events.

FrediDance Project stands out in the Florida dance community due to several distinctive features and highlights that underscore its unique mission and impact. These aspects contribute to its reputation as a leading institution for serious dance training and artistic innovation.

Features / Highlights:

• Focus on Contemporary Dance and Social Issues: A core distinguishing feature is their commitment to exploring themes of gender identity, sexuality, and broader social issues through contemporary dance. This makes their work thought-provoking and culturally relevant.
• Pre-Professional and Professional Training Emphasis: The organization is geared towards developing dancers at intermediate to advanced levels, specifically preparing them for professional dance careers and higher education in dance.
• Artistic Director Ferdinand De Jesus: The leadership of Artistic Director Ferdinand De Jesus, with his background (including serving as Associate Director and Resident Choreographer of Florida Dance Theatre), brings a high level of expertise and vision to the company.
• In-House Company at Ultimate Dance Center: Being the resident dance company at Ultimate Dance Center provides a stable and professional environment for training and rehearsals, benefiting from the larger studio's facilities and community.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: Beyond just dance steps, programs focus on technique strengthening, choreography exploration, personal development, and career-building connections.
• Guest Artists and Master Classes: FrediDance Project often brings in guest artists for intensives and workshops, providing students with exposure to diverse teaching styles and industry insights.
• Emphasis on Holistic Dancer Well-being: A unique aspect is their focus on educating dancers about dance history, theory, choreographic process, and maintaining healthy lifestyles, even including support from physical therapists for injury prevention.
• Community Engagement Through Performance: The company actively participates in and presents performances within the community, such as "The Great Gatsby Gala Dances," showcasing the talent cultivated within the project.
• Commitment to Non-Profit Mission: As a non-profit organization, their dedication is purely to the artistic and personal growth of their dancers and the impact of their work, rather than commercial interests.

For more information about FrediDance Project's programs, audition schedules, or performance dates, please use the contact details below.

Contact Information:

Address: 2890 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA

Phone: (863) 417-5668

For residents of Lakeland and the broader Florida region, FrediDance Project offers an unparalleled opportunity for serious dance training and artistic development. This is a particularly suitable place for locals who are passionate about contemporary dance, those aspiring to professional dance careers, or individuals looking for a dance institution that delves into meaningful social commentary through movement. The rigorous training, combined with the focus on choreographic exploration and personal development, provides a comprehensive education for dedicated dancers.

Being affiliated with Ultimate Dance Center, a well-regarded local studio, further enhances its appeal by providing a stable and professional learning environment. If you're a young dancer in Florida looking to challenge yourself, engage with diverse choreographic styles, and grow within a supportive, pre-professional setting, FrediDance Project should be at the top of your list. It's a place where talent is not just honed, but also nurtured with a vision for future success in the dynamic world of dance.

FrediDance Project

2890 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803, USA