The Sarasota Ballet is the Gulf Coast of Florida’s only professional ballet company. In 1987, The Sarasota Ballet was founded by Jean Allenby–Weidner as a presenting organization with the goal of becoming a full resident ballet company, which was achieved in 1990 with the appointment of the first Artistic Director. However it wasn’t until January 2007 that her dream was fully realized, when The Sarasota Ballet announced the appointment of the new Director, Iain Webb. Mr. Webb’s background, experience and close personal relationships with some of the biggest names in dance world have taken The Sarasota Ballet to a higher level of national and international recognition.
Together with his wife Margaret Barbieri, Assistant Director and former principal of The Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet, Mr. Webb has introduced one hundred and sixty-three new ballets into the repertoire, including ballets by Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Dame Ninette de Valois, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Antony Tudor, Sir Matthew Bourne, Christopher Wheeldon, Sir David Bintley, Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, Will Tuckett, and Johan Kobborg. Many of these ballets have rarely been seen in America, and never before in Sarasota. 

Performing Arts

The Sarasota Ballet

Joseph Volpe

Barbara Epperson

Rod Kelly

Leslie Van Brink

Jason Ettore

Ethan Vail

Amy Miller

Michelle Butler

Jerry Wolf

Jeanne Leo

Christopher Hird

Charmaine Hunter

Jennifer Welch Cudnik

The Production Team at The Sarasota Ballet is responsible for the seamless execution of all ballet performances. They manage everything from lighting and stage design to costume preparation and technical execution. This includes the Production Manager & Resident Lighting Designer overseeing technical logistics, the Head of Wardrobe and assistants ensuring costumes are performance-ready, and the Company Manager coordinating dancer schedules and logistics. Together, they bring the artistic vision to life, ensuring every performance meets the highest standard.

Production Team

Education and Program Development

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Production Team

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Other teams at The Sarasota Ballet

Education and Program Development

Marketing and Public Relations