The Florida Ballet was founded in 1978 with the mission to enrich and inspire the cultural landscape of our community through the education and art of classical ballet.

The Florida Ballet has been a leader in dance education and performance for over four decades. Founded in 1978 by Laurie Picinich-Byrd and Michael Byrd, the nonprofit organization serves the community through quality dance education, accessible community outreach opportunities, collaborative projects, and a season of professional performances.

Following reports of a man who repeatedly exposed himself in the Murray Hill neighborhood, Jacksonville police have made an arrest.

Cailyn, 15; Zahria, 14; Leeanaca, 15; Lauren, 15; and Lauren, 13, want to inspire other young Black girls to try ballet. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Some local dancers from the Florida Ballet and Bravo School of Dance did a photoshoot recently in honor of Black History Month in hopes to inspire others. These ballerinas -- Lauren, Cailyn, Zahria, Leeanaca and Lauren -- are between the ages of 13 and 15. The photographer, Nicole Hartley, said two of the girls are her daughtersHartley said they “are working so hard to make it in the ballet world where they won’t necessarily be accepted everywhere they go.”She said their “strength and beauty needed to be seen and celebrated.”The teens hope their pictures inspire other little girls to explore the world of ballet and dance.