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

January 24, 2024 - Caleb Guedes-Reed

From the graceful movements of ballet to the pulsating beats of contemporary dance, the city's stages come alive with a diverse array of dance styles and experiences.

Welcome to the vibrant world of 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."

As the sun-kissed city on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota boasts an enchanting performing arts scene that celebrates all things art. Whether you're a spectator seeking mesmerizing performances or an aspiring dancer eager to partake in workshops, Sarasota has something for everyone.

Sarasota Ballet

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. Featuring choreography from luminaries like Dame Ninette de Valois, Sir Frederick Ashton and Jerome Robbins, the company has become a beacon of artistic excellence. Recognized for its integrity and creativity, The Sarasota Ballet has graced esteemed venues, including the Kennedy Center and New York City Center, solidifying its reputation as a dynamic force in the ballet world.

Catch the final days of “Graziano Celebrated” which features Ricardo Graziano’s 10 years as a Resident Choreographer, running until January 29, 2024 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Beyond that, you can catch the other 2024 season productions: "Ballet Hispánico," March 8–11 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts; "Portraits of Expression," April 5–6 at The Sarasota Opera House; and "Inspirations," April 26–27.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD) stands as Sarasota's first professional contemporary dance company, shaping the local arts scene for over 17 years. Nestled in the heart of the historic Rosemary Square district, SCD offers cutting-edge performances, education and collaborations. Originally founded as Fuzión Dance in 2002 and rebranded as SCD in 2016 under Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, the company is renowned for its high-energy contemporary works and diverse partnerships.

Join SCD for "Dance Makers 2024," running March 14–17, 2024 and “Voices - Rising Choreographers 2024,” running May 2–5, 2024. Both performance locations at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

International Ballet of Florida

Established in 2010 by former international ballet dancers Sergiy Mykhaylov and Darya Fedotova, the International Ballet of Florida (IBF) is a beacon of classical excellence in Sarasota. With roots in the Kyiv State Ballet School, IBF employs the Vaganova Method for training ages 2.5 through adult. IBF offers a diverse range of programs, emphasizing both classical repertoire and the creation of new ballets. Students benefit from small class sizes, frequent performances in prestigious theaters and the chance to compete locally and internationally, fostering not only exceptional dancers but well-rounded individuals with lasting connections.

Interested in putting on your stockings and heading to the barre yourself? International Ballet of Florida offers adult ballet classes with no age limit all year-round on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm and Fridays, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

Founded in 2011 by Cuban ballet maestros Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernández, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School (SCBS) is a haven for dance enthusiasts of all ages. 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 some space on your calendar for February 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm; February 11, 2024, at 2:00 pm for their performance of “Sleeping Beauty”. And on April 19–20, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School will present legendary Cuban dancer, Carlos Acosta to perform "On Before" at The Sarasota Opera House, while the End of Year Performance will take place on May 4, 2024 at Riverview Performing Arts Center.

Vision of Dance

Vision of Dance, situated at Fruitville and Osprey, is a dynamic sanctuary where passion intertwines with technique. Their mantra, "Dance First, Think Later," encourages students to surrender to the rhythm. Escape the confines of overthinking and break into the world of ballroom dance. Whether you're a seasoned dancer with a partner or a novice solo dancer, skilled instructors will lead you through various ballroom styles – from salsa to cha-cha, fox-trot to waltz. Slip into your dancing shoes and leave your worries behind!

The group is currently running a new student offer for $19.99. New students get 2 Full 20 Minute Private Lessons, 1 Group Class and 1 Social Party.