Article written by Lucia Winkler
Florida Dance Theatre set itself apart in elevating talent in Polk County, serving as its only professional dance company for 31 years. Yet when state-wide funding cuts led to a significant budget loss, Florida Dance Theatre bid farewell to its community in June of 2025.
In light of the company’s discouraging end, the question arises: How can dance stay alive in Polk County? It may begin with just a simple action.
When Khiem Nguyen first moved to Lakeland, he hoped to find a community that he could dance with. With the help of a friend who owned a swing dance shop, Nguyen held his first LKLD Lindy Hop class one Monday night. The only advertisement? A sign hung outside the store. To Nguyen’s surprise, a new student came by that night – a passerby whose interest was sparked by that sign. Soon, the turnout multiplied.
Krystal Huot with Swan City Ballet had a similar experience. She didn’t know what to expect when she opened an adult ballet class, but the opening filled up very quickly. Since then, she has noticed a diverse demographic that she had never envisioned. Those who join her class encompass a vast range of ages, from the younger couples who are looking for a fun activity, to the older adults whom Huot likes to call “my silver swans”.
Though trying a new hobby like dance can be a nervous experience, the dance community in Polk County is united by the inviting atmosphere that instructors create. Newcomers are greeted by a nonjudgemental space. “It’s all about connection,” Nguyen commented, “When we see a new face come through the door, we make them feel welcome.”
Polk county offers an array of dance studios and programs for young individuals. A student’s firststep outside of their comfort zone can empower them to keep dance alive.
Hailing from Auburndale, the young dancer Chloe Walker has become a highly-esteemed figure in the local arts community, serving as a model for keeping dance alive. Her platform “Chloe’s Creative Moves” is dedicated to making dance accessible for marginalized children. The courage that Walker has demonstrated reflects students’ power to promote dance.
“I think dance students can keep the art alive in Polk County by performing wherever they can,” she noted, “Recitals and dance competitions are amazing, but by performing at events outside of the dance community, you are able to share your love of the art and spark interest in people who may not be exposed to dance on a regular basis.” By performing at community events in the City of Auburndale, she has had the opportunity to share her passion for the art.
The closing of Florida Dance Theatre may have led to uncertainty about the future of dance in Polk County, but the thriving dance community promises to keep the tradition alive. The bold steps of instructors and students alike encourages the sustaining of this art form. Whether it’s through participating in dance or by buying a ticket to a local dance performance, you too can help keep dance alive.
PARTICIPATE IN DANCE
The following list offers dance classes or workshops for adults.
City of Auburndale
Auburndale Community Center
Belly Dancing
auburndalefl.com/community-center
City of Bartow
Locations vary
Dance fit, Line Dancers, Seniors on the Move
cityofbartow.net
City of Haines City
Oakland Auditorium, 915 Ave E., Haines City
Salsa (free!)
hainescity.com
City of Lakeland
Locations Vary (Lakeland)
Soul Line, Ballroom, Salsa, Belly, Line Dancing
lakelandgov.net
Dance with Susan
Lake Silver, Winter Haven
Ballroom, Swing, Wedding
dance-with-susan.ueniweb.com
Fantashique Dance Company
Locations Vary (Haines City)
Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Line Dancing
hainescity.com
Just Dance Academy
124 S. Kentucky, Lakeland
Tap, Ballroom, Ballet, Ballroom, Salsa, West Coast Swing, Contemporary
facebook.com/justwanttodance
Lakeland Seniors Dance & Social Club
Magnolia Building, 702 E. Orange St., Lakeland
Foxtrot, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Swing, Line Dancing
lakelandseniordance.com
Lkld Lindy Hop
Locations vary
Swing
lkldlindyhop.com
Swan City Ballet
Locations vary
Beginner, intermediate and foundational ballet
instagram.com/swancityballet
Ultimate Dance Center
2980 Lakeland Highlands Rd, Lakeland
Lyrical, Contemporary
udclakeland.com
Uno Dos Tres Studio
2940 S. Combee Rd, Lakeland
Salsa Rueda, Bachata, Kizomba, Belly Dance, Flamenco, Swing, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Afrobeats, Turn Up Dance.
unodoestresstudio.com
WATCH DANCE
Florida Southern College
Branscomb Auditorium, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland
flsouthern.edu/ffa
Historic Ritz Theatre
263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven
theatrewinterhaven.com
Polk Theatre
121 Florida Ave. S., Lakeland
polktheatre.org
RP Funding Center
701 W. Lime St., Lakeland
rpfundingcenter.com
Polk Public Schools with Dance Performances: Davenport High School, Davenport School of the Arts, Harrison School for the Arts, Jewett School of the Arts, Rochelle School of the Arts, Ridge Community High School, Teneroc High School
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