Jermaine Thornton, Florida Dance Theatre

Jermaine Thornton began his dance training with lyrical jazz and ballet at Port Saint Lucie High School. After graduation, he received a dance scholarship to Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Florida. While there, Jermaine began his formal studies in classical ballet, Graham, Cunningham, and Limon modern dance technique under the instruction of Molly Magee as well as guest ballet faculty, Loretta Miller. Jermaine was invited by the USF Dance Department to pursue a BFA degree in Dance Performance. During his time at USF, Jermaine has performed in numerous works choreographed by USF faculty as well as guest choreographers. Artists include Bill T. Jones, Doug Varone, Jennifer Archibald, Leah Cox and James Kinney to name a few. He has also had the opportunity to perform abroad at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, UK. In addition to concert dance, Jermaine has also been fortunate to perform in musicals and operas that have aided him in his growth as an artist. Such productions include Camelot, The Music Man, The Pearl Fishers, The Merry Widow and La Traviata.

Beyond his performing career, Jermaine has taught for various arts education organizations throughout the state of Florida. He has had the privilege to work with The American Stage Theater Company, Gulfshore Ballet, Xplosive Dance Academy, Skyra Studios, The Sarasota Opera Company’s Youth Opera Workshop, Dance Unlimited, Harrison School for The Arts & Dance Central. In furthering his studies in business, Jermaine attends workshops and seminars conducted by the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. He is also a graduate of EMERGE Serves, a training program for business professionals in community impact and services. Jermaine currently serves on the advisory board of Harrison School for The Arts, The Lakeland Mayor’s Council on the Arts, and is the Executive Director of the Florida Dance Theatre.