Artistry in Motion: Dance Performances & Classes to Attend in Sarasota

Welcome to the vibrant world of song and dance in Sarasota, where the city's very name is said to be a nod to its rhythmic roots, derived from a Spanish term meaning "a place of dancing." Here, you can learn the footwork and technique of Afro fusion or Latin ballroom styles, or sit in stillness as you're awed in the audience while watching stunning choreography and stories unfold. Whether you're a spectator seeking mesmerizing performances or an aspiring dancer eager to partake in workshops, Sarasota has a beat to move—or be moved—to. 

The Sarasota Ballet

Photo by Frank Atura

Under the artistic direction of Iain Webb and the executive guidance of Joseph Volpe, The Sarasota Ballet has garnered global acclaim for its distinctive performances. Recognized for its integrity and creativity, the company has graced esteemed venues, including the Kennedy Center and New York City Center, and featured choreography from globally acclaimed luminaries, solidifying its reputation as an artistic force in the ballet world. 

Photo by Taylor Riffle, taken at Waterside Place's Sights + Sounds

You can catch The Sarasota Ballet's 2025-2026 Season from October to May, bringing an impressive lineup of seven programs that feature the internationally recognized repertoire and noteworthy programming the company is known for. Purchase tickets online, or contact the box office. 

The Sarasota Ballet primarily performs at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, the Sarasota Opera House and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Or find yourself in the audience of an outdoor performance at Waterside Place during their free performance and fine arts series known as Sights + Sounds. The Sarasota Ballet is set to perform under the public pavilion on Saturday, March 7, from 4-5 p.m., showcasing a mix of traditional ballet and contemporary dance.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Contemporary Dance

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is Sarasota's first professional contemporary dance company, shaping the local arts scene for two decades. Nestled in the heart of the historic Rosemary District, SCD offers cutting-edge performances, education and collaborations. Under Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, the company is renowned for its high-energy contemporary works and diverse partnerships.

You can catch SCD's special 20th Anniversary Season, featuring four main stage productions: three held at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, and the season finale presented at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The 2025-26 season takes place December through May, and you can purchase single tickets or season subscriptions online.

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Contemporary Dance

For a more intimate experience, visit SCD's home studio for one of their beloved In-Studio Series. This up-close-and-personal showcase allows artists at varying stages of their careers to perform either works in progress or final pieces. In-studio performances are perfect for dance lovers, newcomers and those looking to support local art in an authentic setting. 

To brush up on your own dance skills, stay in the know of SCD's beginner and adult-friendly classes throughout the year, created to be welcoming introductions to dance and expressive settings for all. Workshop offerings for all skill levels include jazz, Afro-fusion, tap, ballet flow, contemporary, hip-hop and improvisational dance.

Vision of Dance

Vision of Dance's mantra, "Dance First, Think Later," encourages students to get out of their comfort zones and surrender to the rhythm. Escape the confines of overthinking and break into the world of ballroom dance as an exciting new hobby. Getting married? Have professional instructors choreograph a special wedding dance for your reception.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer with a partner or a novice solo dancer, skilled instructors will lead you through various styles—from American ballroom styles like the foxtrot, tango, waltz and quickstep to Latin ballroom styles like salsa, cha-cha, samba and rumba. There are even opportunities to learn more social club styles, such as West Coast swing and country-Western. Slip into your dancing shoes and leave your worries behind!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s performances sparkle with kinetic energy, blending theater and movement in productions where dance isn’t just an aside—it’s the star. The theater was founded by Nate Jacobs, a local actor, director and playwright, after noticing a lack of roles for Black performers in Sarasota. Today, each show captures WBTT’s commitment to rhythm, African-American heritage and the art of movement. 

If you're drawn to song and dance with a story, the 2025-2026 Season takes audiences on a rhythm-driven journey with four productions running from November through May, spotlighting a professional cast of accomplished artists, young aspiring performers and guest artists from around the country. 

WBTT also offers a variety of dance and improv classes for all ages and skill levels throughout the year, taking place at the troupe's campus in the Rosemary District. Fun community classes include classic line dancing, if you want to conquer the Cupid Shuffle or brush up on your Boot Scootin' Boogie. 

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

Founded by Cuban ballet maestros Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernández, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is a haven for classical dance enthusiasts. Trained at Cuba's prestigious National Ballet School, Serrano and Hernández bring elite expertise to SCBS. The heart of the school lies in its Pre-Professional Program, which employs the renowned Cuban method to prepare dedicated young dancers for illustrious careers. SCBS, a rare U.S. proponent of the Cuban style, fosters athleticism, passion and grace—producing technically gifted and artistically charismatic dancers who have graced stages worldwide.

Save space on your calendar for the 2025-2026 Season, which runs December through May and ends with an exciting end-of-year show at Riverview Performing Arts Center. For a special gala performance by dancers from around the world, catch On Stage 2026 at the Sarasota Opera House on July 18, 2026.  

Should you want to wipe the dust of those old ballet shoes, you can also take part in SCBS's adult ballet classes, designed for fun and fitness—whether you danced when you were younger and want to get back into it or want to start something new. Classes welcome all ages, sizes and abilities and are a great way to improve your stamina, strength, coordination and confidence!