The Sarasota Ballet Director, Iain Webb

In this podcast, Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet shares his inspiring journey from taking his first dance steps in Yorkshire, England to leading one of America’s most dynamic ballet companies. Speaking from his office – surrounded by his collection of ballet books and signed photographs from ballet luminaries (watch the video) – Iain reflects on his lifelong passion for the art form and his incredible experience working with so many ballet greats. Listen as Iain shares special moments with ballet icons Sir Frederick Ashton, Dame Ninette de Valois, Dame Alicia Markova and Sir Anthony Dowell. From his time performing with The Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet to meeting his wife, former principal dancer Margaret Barbieri, Iain’s journey is filled with captivating stories. Iain discusses rising through the ranks, to leaving the stage and working with Matthew Bourne as Rehearsal Director for Swan Lake and Ballet Master with K-Ballet Company in Japan, before becoming Director of The Sarasota Ballet in 2007, a role in which he has masterfully blended respect for ballet’s history with a forward-looking vision for the company’s future. Under Iain’s leadership, The Sarasota Ballet has flourished with his dedication to preserving Sir Frederick Ashton’s legacy while expanding the company’s repertoire with contemporary works. One of the achievements of his tenure has been The Sir Frederick Ashton Festival in 2014, held to mark the 25th anniversary of Ashton’s passing. The festival drew national and international praise. Earlier this year, the company embarked on their first international tour to London’s Royal Opera House presenting Ashton Celebrated. This tour brought Iain full circle, returning to his home country and presenting a programme of works from The Royal Ballet’s founding choreographer and one of the most influential dance figures of the 20th century. Iain’s commitment to honouring ballet’s rich heritage with Sir Richard Aston’s works while nurturing new talent ensures Sarasota Ballet’s continued prominence in the dance world. PRESS PLAY   Production photo of Paradise Gardens, The Sarasota Ballet. Part of Ashton Worldwide 2024-2028. Main Stage, ROH, London. © 2024 Foteini Christofilopoulou. Production photo of Diverts – Balcony Scene from Romeo and Juliet, The Sarasota Ballet. Part of Ashton Worldwide 2024-2028. Linbury Theatre, ROH, London. © 2024 Foteini Christofilopoulou Production photo of Diverts – Façade, The Sarasota Ballet. Part of Ashton Worldwide 2024-2028. Linbury Theatre, ROH, London. © 2024 Foteini Christofilopoulou.

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The Sarasota Ballet Director, Iain Webb is an episode from Ballet & Dance Podcast by The Wonderful World of Dance.

This episode is 57:22 long.

This episode was published on Sep 21, 2024.

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