Jacksonville Dance Theatre and Jon Lehrer Dance Company will come together for a single performance, according to an announcement on Mar. 17. The event, titled JDT & Friends, will feature works from both Northeast Florida’s Jacksonville Dance Theatre and New York-based Jon Lehrer Dance Company.
The collaboration brings together different choreographic styles and traditions, offering audiences in Jacksonville a unique opportunity to see nationally recognized artists alongside local talent. Rebecca R. Levy, Artistic Director of Jacksonville Dance Theatre, said, “Sharing the stage with Jon Lehrer Dance Company is a real honor for us. Jon’s work brings such clarity, musicality, and physical intelligence, and I’m equally proud of the incredible artists of JDT. Bringing our two companies together creates a powerful evening of dance for our Jacksonville community.”
The program includes several pieces by Jacksonville Dance Theatre: La Folia/The Madness by Levy explores shifting alliances among three women; Tabula Rasa by guest choreographer Susan Dodge examines group dynamics; Episodes of Snow by Louis Kavouras draws on fluid movement philosophies; and Chasm by Jessica Plonka delves into themes of passion and personal cost. Jon Lehrer Dance Company will present four works choreographed by Jon Lehrer himself—Fused, Volt, Mingos!, and Led to Love—each blending modern dance with jazz influences.
Susan Dodge, Executive Artistic Director of Amelia Island Dance Festival, said the event aligns with the festival’s mission: “A core part of Amelia Island Dance Festival’s mission is connecting artists and audiences across Northeast Florida. Bringing Jon Lehrer Dance Company together with Jacksonville Dance Theatre at the Florida Theatre creates a rare opportunity for our community to experience nationally recognized artists alongside the incredible talent we have right here at home.”
A VIP reception will be held before the performance in the Florida Theatre’s PNC Lounge for $15 per guest. Tickets are available through floridatheatre.com or by calling the box office.
Background information provided notes that Amelia Island Dance Festival was founded in 2019 as an annual celebration featuring performances and workshops from national artists. The historic Florida Theatre hosts over 200 events each year across various genres. Jacksonville Dance Theatre was established in 2012 with a focus on contemporary modern dance and has produced numerous seasons locally as well as touring nationally.
