The Sarasota Ballet: A Year-Round Celebration of Movement & Community

When the curtain rises on The Sarasota Ballet’s stage, audiences are transported—lifted by the grace, precision and emotion that define one of America’s most distinctive ballet companies. Yet what unfolds under the lights is only part of the story. The true rhythm of The Sarasota Ballet beats all year long—in studios, classrooms and communities across Florida’s Cultural Coast®.

This is a celebration of movement that never pauses. A story that continues every day, both on and off the stage.

A Living Legacy of Artistry

Students of The Sarasota Ballet School perform.

In rehearsal rooms where sunlight pours across the floor, dancers refine each gesture—a daily dialogue between heritage and innovation. Guided by Artistic Director Iain Webb and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, the company honors the rich lineage of Sir Frederick Ashton and other 20th-century masters, while championing bold, contemporary voices.

Each new ballet, whether a world premiere or a revived classic, becomes a chapter in The Sarasota Ballet’s living history. The creative process unfolds year-round: choreography explored, stories reimagined, artistry deepened. The result is a company that bridges the timeless and the new—reminding audiences that dance is both archive and invention.

Beyond the Stage: The Community Canvas

The Sarasota Ballet’s impact radiates far beyond its performances. Through community outreach, education and engagement programs, the company extends the joy of movement to people of all ages and backgrounds.

At the heart of this mission is Dance – The Next Generation (DNG), a comprehensive after-school program that provides at-risk students with the opportunity to learn dance while developing life skills, discipline and self-confidence. Over the course of ten years, participants gain not only technical training but mentorship, academic support and the invaluable sense of belonging that comes from artistic expression.

Through programs like DNG, adaptive dance classes and open rehearsals, The Sarasota Ballet invites everyone to experience the transformative power of movement. These initiatives strengthen the company’s role as both cultural institution and community cornerstone—fostering inclusion, creativity and connection throughout the region.

“Dance is a universal language,” says Webb. “We want everyone in Sarasota to feel that they’re part of our story.”

Where the Future Takes Shape

Dancers as young as three can join The Sarasota Ballet School.

At The Sarasota Ballet School, young dancers discover not just technique, but confidence, artistry and discipline. Under the mentorship of professional faculty and company members, students learn that ballet is more than movement—it’s a way of expressing emotion, resilience and imagination.

Summer intensives, workshops and year-round classes nurture the next generation of performers and arts lovers. These programs ensure that The Sarasota Ballet’s legacy continues, inspiring young artists to carry the tradition forward with pride and purpose.

The Season as a Journey, Not a Destination

Each season of performances is a milestone in a continuous cycle of creativity. The premieres, revivals and collaborations seen on stage are the culmination of months—sometimes years—of preparation, rehearsal and vision.

While audiences experience a thrilling evening of dance, the company’s work extends in all directions: planning future programs, supporting dancers’ training and well-being, developing partnerships and preparing new audiences to experience the art form.

Instead of viewing the “season” as an endpoint, The Sarasota Ballet approaches it as an ever-evolving journey—one that celebrates the endurance and renewal of the arts.

The People Behind the Magic

Elizabeth Sykes and The Sarasota Ballet perform George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes. Photo by Frank Atura.

From the dancers who embody the music to the costume designers, lighting technicians, musicians and staff who bring each production to life—The Sarasota Ballet thrives because of the passion and precision of its people.

Behind every performance is a network of creativity: the artisans who sew, the stage crew who transform sets, the administrators who plan and promote. Together, they form the unseen choreography that sustains the company’s excellence.

Through digital features, behind-the-scenes videos and artist interviews, audiences are invited deeper into this creative world—witnessing how dedication, collaboration and artistry intertwine to make ballet come alive.

Why It Matters: Sarasota’s Cultural Pulse

As one of Florida’s premiere performing arts institutions, The Sarasota Ballet contributes immeasurably to the city’s cultural vitality. Each performance season attracts visitors from across the nation, enriching local tourism and strengthening Sarasota’s reputation as a destination for world-class arts.

But beyond economic impact lies something more profound—a shared experience that binds community, history and imagination. Ballet becomes a bridge between generations, an invitation to pause and feel, to see humanity expressed through motion.

Join the Movement, All Year Long

Jonah Glickman and Iku Okura in George Balanchine's Divertimento No.15.

Each gesture, each gift, each visit contributes to a living, breathing tradition that defines Sarasota’s artistic soul. Whether you’re a lifelong patron, a first-time attendee, a student or a local resident, The Sarasota Ballet invites you to take part in its year-round story:

• Attend a performance — discover the power of live art.
• Explore a class or workshop — see creativity in motion.
• Support through philanthropy — help sustain excellence and access.
   

Dance is fleeting—a lift, a leap, a turning breath—but its impact endures long after the final bow. The Sarasota Ballet’s story is not bound by a single stage or season. It is a continual celebration of creativity, humanity and community—a dance that moves with and for Sarasota, every day of the year.