Founded in 2012 Jacksonville Dance Theatre is a contemporary modern dance company dedicated to creating and promoting excellence in the field of professional dance locally, nationally, and internationally.

JDT is committed to creative innovation and exchange through collaborative, multidisciplinary choreographic projects, performance, movement intervention outreach, and dance education. Led by founding member and Artistic Director Rebecca R. Levy, the company has produced 12 home seasons and toured in festivals both domestically and internationally. JDT co-produces two annual repertory concerts each Fall and Spring in partnership with the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville.

As the longest-standing, professional modern dance company in Jacksonville, FL, JDT is proud to provide artistic and enrichment opportunities locally, contributing to the $2.9 billion brought in annually to Florida’s economy by nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Currently, JDT is one of the few non-profit performing arts organizations in Jacksonville to employ its performers, instructors, guest artists, choreographers, and collaborators. These contributions not only elevate the quality of dance in our city and state, but also contribute to Jacksonville’s path toward artistic excellence.

Jacksonville Dance Theatre performs repertory works choreographed by the company’s artistic director and resident choreographers and frequently commissions its performers and local artists to create new works for the company. For Season 13, JDT is proud to announce the commission of new and existing works from Eboné Amos, Susan Dodge (The Paul Taylor Dance Company), Louis Kavouras (Erick Hawkins Dance Company), Theresa Jimmerson, and James Morrow (james morrow/THE MOVEMENT). Past choreographers include Jonah Bokaer, James Boyd, Emily Cargill, Bryn Cohn, Roberto Forleo, Lana Heylock, Jay Jackson, Bliss Kohlmyer, Lisa D. Long, Brian Palmer, Mikey Rioux, Talani Torres, JoAnna Ursal, and Pioneer Winter.

JDT sees the power of the human body as a canvas for education, storytelling, and wellness. With a diverse group of company members, JDT is constantly broadening its style to form thought-provoking performances that reach a wide range of populations. JDT is committed to creating equitable opportunities for all people and feels strongly that dance is a universal art form that is meant to engage and inspire all people. JDT runs weekly dance, fitness, and movement awareness classes at the Florida Ballet as well as through a partnership with Beer and Ballet, LLC. Additionally, JDT is excited to offer Shape/Shift, a week-long summer dance intensive for pre-professional and professional dancers each July.

JDT is supported in part by sponsors and partners from: The Florida Theatre, The Florida Ballet, Beer & Ballet, The Jacksonville Symphony, PNC, the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, GFWC Beaches Woman’s Club, Galloway Gonzalez Consulting, and the Fidelity Corporate Charitable Giving Program.

JDT would also like to extend its gratitude to past and present partnerships, awards, and private donors who have contributed to the health and prosperity of the organization since its founding. In 2016 and 2018 JDT was the recipient of the Florida East Coast PNC Arts Alive grant and was supported in 2016 and 2020 by grants from the Art Ventures Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Past support also includes grants from StageFund, corporate sponsorship from Harbinger, Kress Agency, Lululemon, and Community First Credit Union.