Jacksonville Dance Theatre

For residents of Jacksonville, Florida, with a passion for the performing arts, or simply a curiosity to experience world-class dance right in our hometown, Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) stands as a vibrant and indispensable cultural gem. Founded in 2012, JDT is a contemporary modern dance company dedicated to creating and promoting excellence in professional dance, not just locally, but on national and international stages. More than just a group of phenomenal performers, JDT is deeply rooted in our community, enriching lives through innovative choreography, dynamic performances, and impactful outreach programs.

In a city as diverse and dynamic as Jacksonville, JDT brings a unique artistic voice that celebrates movement, storytelling, and the human condition. They are known for their commitment to creative innovation, often engaging in collaborative, multidisciplinary choreographic projects that push artistic boundaries. This dedication to pushing the envelope ensures that every performance is a fresh, thought-provoking experience for audiences of all backgrounds. As a women-owned company, JDT further exemplifies leadership and innovation within the local arts landscape, contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy that makes Jacksonville such a great place to live.

Beyond the captivating performances, Jacksonville Dance Theatre is deeply invested in dance education and community engagement. They believe that dance is a universal art form meant to engage and inspire all people, regardless of their background or experience level. This commitment is evident in their accessible classes and robust outreach initiatives, which aim to share the transformative power of dance with diverse populations across our city. This article will explore the many facets that make Jacksonville Dance Theatre a must-see and a must-support institution in our beloved Florida community, from their artistic endeavors to their profound local impact.

Jacksonville Dance Theatre is strategically located at 128 E Forsyth St Suite 610, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA. This address places JDT directly in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, a vibrant and increasingly popular hub for arts and culture. Being situated in such a central and accessible location ensures that residents from all corners of Duval County and beyond can easily access their performances, classes, and outreach events.

The downtown location offers convenient access via major city thoroughfares and is often near public transportation options, making it a practical choice for those attending events. While the specific parking situation for Suite 610 might vary, downtown Jacksonville offers several parking garages and street parking options, especially convenient for evening performances. For instance, the Yates Building Garage is a preferred parking facility for the nearby Florida Theatre, often used for JDT events, indicating good accessibility in the immediate vicinity. This central positioning aligns perfectly with JDT's mission to be an integral and accessible part of Jacksonville's burgeoning arts scene, drawing audiences and participants from across the metropolitan area.

Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) offers a diverse range of services that extend beyond captivating stage performances, encompassing education, community engagement, and artistic collaboration. Their mission is to promote excellence and innovation in contemporary modern dance, making it accessible to a wide audience.

• Professional Dance Performances: JDT is a critically acclaimed contemporary modern dance company known for its high-caliber performances. They produce annual repertory concerts (often two per year, in Fall and Spring) in partnership with iconic venues like the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. These concerts feature works choreographed by their artistic director, resident choreographers, and often commissioned pieces from company performers and local artists.
• Educational Outreach Programs: JDT is committed to making dance accessible and uses movement intervention outreach as a key part of its mission. Their programs provide in-school dance education instruction designed to motivate and engage children, students, and alternative learners through the universal language of dance.
• Dance Classes for All Levels: In addition to their professional company work, JDT offers classes open to the public. These include weekly dance, fitness, and movement awareness classes, sometimes in partnership with institutions like The Florida Ballet. They cater to various skill levels, demonstrating their commitment to broader dance education.
• Summer Dance Intensives: JDT also hosts immersive, week-long summer dance intensives, providing concentrated training and artistic development opportunities.
• Jacksonville Dance Film Festival: Launched in 2015, JDT curates and presents the annual Jacksonville Dance Film Festival, bringing dance for the camera to the First Coast, expanding the reach and appreciation of dance through a different medium.
• Collaborative Choreographic Projects: The company actively engages in multidisciplinary choreographic projects, fostering creative innovation and exchange with other artists and art forms.
• Movement as Healing and Wellness: JDT sees the human body's power as a canvas for art, education, storytelling, performance, entertainment, and wellness. Their commitment to "wellness equity" suggests programs or initiatives that leverage movement for health and well-being.

Jacksonville Dance Theatre stands out in the Florida arts scene due to several distinctive features and highlights that underscore its artistic excellence and profound community impact.

• Leading Contemporary Dance Company: JDT is recognized as one of the "best contemporary dance companies around" in Jacksonville and beyond. Their performers are consistently described as "fantastic," showcasing high levels of artistry and technical skill.
• Women-Owned and Led: As a women-owned and led company, JDT is a significant leader in the arts, bringing a unique perspective and contributing to diversity in leadership within the cultural sector. This aspect is highly valued by community supporters.
• Commitment to Diversity and Innovation: The company actively "celebrates diversity and is always looking to innovate." This dedication translates into thought-provoking performances that resonate with a wide range of audiences and continuously evolve the art form. They strive to be inclusive regardless of "race, gender, age, ability, sexual identity or orientation, cultural or socioeconomic background."
• Integral Part of the Jacksonville Arts Scene: JDT is consistently highlighted as an "integral part of the Jacksonville arts scene" and proudly identifies with the "Jacksonville" in its name, representing the city on national and global stages. They are the longest-standing professional modern dance company in Jacksonville.
• Extensive Outreach and Education: Beyond performances, JDT's "outreach programs and classes are open to all levels," demonstrating a strong commitment to dance education and community engagement. They are an "agent of healing, change, and wellness equity" in the city.
• High-Caliber Performances and Collaborations: JDT co-produces two annual repertory concerts at the historic Florida Theatre, showcasing their own works and frequently commissioning pieces from renowned choreographers. Their ability to deliver "critically acclaimed" performances is a testament to their artistic standards.
• Support for Local Dancers: As a professional company that employs its performers, instructors, and collaborators, JDT provides vital opportunities for local dancers to "do what they love right here in town," contributing to the professional dance landscape in Jacksonville.
• Community Support and Funding: JDT receives support from various city, state, and private entities, including the City of Jacksonville, Cultural Council, PNC Arts Alive, and private donors, underscoring its recognized value and impact.

For those in Jacksonville interested in experiencing the captivating performances of Jacksonville Dance Theatre, exploring their educational offerings, or learning more about their impactful community work, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 128 E Forsyth St Suite 610, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA

While a direct general contact phone number for JDT was not readily available through public searches, information for tickets to their performances at the Florida Theatre often lists the Florida Theatre's box office phone at (904) 355-2787. For direct inquiries regarding classes, outreach, or general information, we recommend visiting their official website, typically jacksonvilledancetheatre.org, where you can often find a contact form or specific email addresses for various departments.

Connecting with JDT through their website or social media channels is often the most direct way to get the latest information on performances, class schedules, and opportunities to support this vital Jacksonville arts organization.

For the residents of Jacksonville, Florida, Jacksonville Dance Theatre (JDT) is not just another performing arts company; it is an exceptionally suitable and profoundly enriching cultural asset that significantly enhances our local quality of life. Its unique blend of artistic excellence, community dedication, and progressive values makes it an indispensable part of our city's identity.

Firstly, JDT's central location at 128 E Forsyth St in downtown Jacksonville ensures that world-class contemporary dance is easily accessible to everyone across the metropolitan area. This prime location, often partnering with iconic venues like the Florida Theatre, means that attending their captivating performances is a convenient and enjoyable cultural outing for locals. Its presence in the heart of the city contributes to a vibrant urban core and allows more residents to engage with professional artistry without having to travel far.

Secondly, JDT’s commitment to diversity and innovation directly mirrors the evolving spirit of Jacksonville. As a women-owned company, they are a testament to local leadership and entrepreneurial spirit within the arts. Their dedication to exploring new choreographic projects and embracing a wide range of styles means that every performance is fresh, engaging, and relevant, consistently bringing "so much life to Jacksonville," as one supporter noted. This continuous innovation ensures that local audiences are always treated to dynamic and thought-provoking artistic experiences.

Furthermore, JDT's extensive outreach programs and classes, which are "open to all levels," underscore their deep commitment to community enrichment. They believe that dance is a universal language, and they actively work to share its transformative power through in-school education and accessible classes. For both aspiring dancers and those who have "never experienced a live dance performance," JDT provides inspiring opportunities to connect with movement and artistry. Their role in supporting local dancers by employing them within the company also strengthens Jacksonville's artistic ecosystem, offering pathways for talented individuals to thrive right here in town.

In conclusion, Jacksonville Dance Theatre is more than a performing arts company; it’s a vital cultural anchor that inspires, educates, and enriches our community. By supporting JDT, Jacksonville residents contribute to a dynamic arts scene, empower local talent, and gain access to exhilarating live dance performances and educational opportunities that are truly a "must see in Jacksonville." They are an integral part of what makes living in Florida, particularly in Jacksonville, such a culturally vibrant experience.

Jacksonville Dance Theatre

128 E Forsyth St Suite 610, Jacksonville, FL 32202, USA