About Allison Erwin Norton
Artistic Director and Founder
For over three decades, Allison Erwin Norton has been a transformative force in the world of dance, dedicating her life to nurturing the artistry and dreams of young dancers throughout Manatee County and beyond. As the founder and Artistic Director of Allison’s Ballet Theatre and the prestigious Dance Theatre of Bradenton, she has created a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire new generations of performers.
A Distinguished Performance Career
Allison’s journey began as a soloist with Ballet Repertory and Ballet Guild of Jacksonville, Florida, where her exceptional artistry caught the attention of the international dance community. At just 13 years old, her talent was recognized by renowned dance critic Walter Terry, who honored her as an “Honor Dancer” in the Southeast—a distinction that foreshadowed her remarkable career to come.
Her training reads like a who’s who of the ballet world, having studied under legendary figures including John Field (Artistic Director of London Festival Ballet and Joint Director of England’s Royal Ballet), David Howard (ballet coach to Mikhail Baryshnikov), Robert Joffrey (Director of the Joffrey Ballet), and Violette Verdy (Artistic Director of the Paris Opera Ballet). This world-class foundation was further enriched by her work with Bill Martin Viscount (former Bolshoi Ballet member), Rebecca Wright (Director of the Washington Ballet), and Jean Bedells (Royal Ballet dancer and daughter of Royal Academy of Dance founder Phyllis Bedells).
International Recognition and Training
While studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dance in London, Allison achieved a rare honor when Dame Margot Fonteyn personally selected her as one of only two American dancers to perform a solo role in the academy’s production of “Sleeping Beauty” before the Lord Mayor of London. This extraordinary recognition speaks to the exceptional quality of her artistry and technique.
Her comprehensive training extended beyond classical ballet to include jazz, modern, lyrical, and character dance. She studied jazz under national icons Luigi, Charles Kelley, and Gus Giordano, creating a well-rounded foundation that would later inform her diverse teaching approach.
Beyond the Stage
Allison’s talents extended into the entertainment industry, where she worked with Academy Award-winning producer Dino De Laurentiis and appeared in the film “Night People.” She was also selected by ABC for the FYI series and graced numerous regional television commercials, even becoming the poster and cover model for the antique motorcycle magazine “Vintage Mounts.”
Educational Leadership and Community Impact
Since establishing herself in Bradenton in 1993, Allison has become a cornerstone of the local dance community. She has served as teacher/choreographer in residence at Jacksonville University, guest teacher for Dance Masters of America Florida Chapter, and consultant to dance programs at Lee Magnet Middle School for Arts and Communication, Daughtrey Elementary School, and Saint Stephens Episcopal Day School.
Celebrating Three Decades of The Nutcracker
Under Allison’s artistic direction, Dance Theatre of Bradenton will celebrate its 30th anniversary of The Nutcracker in 2025—a testament to her enduring commitment to bringing world-class ballet to Manatee County. This beloved holiday tradition has become a cornerstone of the community’s cultural calendar, enchanting audiences from age one to 92 with its magical storytelling and exceptional performances.
Student Success Stories
The true measure of Allison’s impact lies in the remarkable achievements of her students. Former pupils have gone on to dance professionally with nationally recognized ballet companies and have received scholarships to prestigious institutions including:
- Houston Ballet School
- School of the Boston Ballet
- School of the Miami City Ballet
- Jacksonville University
Currently, her former students are performing with the Atlanta Festival Ballet and at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her students have also claimed prestigious honors including the Dance Magazine Award and Dance Masters of America titles of Miss Dance and Mr. Dance of Florida.
A Legacy of Excellence
Through Dance Theatre of Bradenton, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation formed in 2007, Allison continues her mission of bringing exceptional dance education and performance opportunities to Manatee County. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her nurturing approach to teaching, has created an environment where young dancers can flourish and reach their fullest potential.
Whether training the next generation of professional dancers or inspiring young people to discover the joy of movement and artistic expression, Allison Erwin Norton remains dedicated to the transformative power of dance. Her studios at Allison’s Ballet Theatre continue to be a place where technical precision meets artistic passion, and where the dreams of aspiring dancers take flight.
Allison’s Ballet Centre is located at 5657 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
For more information to to my CONTACT page