A couple of weeks ago, Chuck asked me if I wanted to be a guest blogger on Lakeland Local to talk about the arts in Downtown Lakeland. Since then, my posts have been about Polk Museum of Art, since that’s what I have an intimate knowledge about. Today, though, I want to take a break and talk about my other favorite Lakeland arts organization: Florida Dance Theatre.

This weekend, FDT will be presenting The Nutcracker. In the past, they’ve done a variation on The Nutcracker, with some jazz numbers and more modern pieces thrown in, but this year, they’re going for the full, traditional ballet. FDTs professional company makes up the core of the cast, with students from FDT II and the FDT’s Academy rounding out the roles.

“Professional company?” you say. “What do you mean professional company?”

I mean that Florida Dance Theatre is the only dance company in Polk County with paid dancers on staff. And they’re extremely talented. I went to Tampa last year to watch the Orlando Ballet do a traditional Nutcracker,  the dancers at FDT are just as good. This year, I’m staying in town and watching this production.

So, details: Florida Dance Theatre’s The Nutcracker at Polk Theatre: Saturday the 13th at 7:30pm and Sunday the 14th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children. Support your local arts organizations!