The Sarasota Ballet celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, during the 2010-2011 season. The season kicks off with a powerful start in its revival of Anne Frank. First premiered by the Sarasota Ballet in 2003, the performance is a tribute to Anne Frank and her story. The Sarasota Ballet conveys the emotion of the dark yet inspirational story found in the diary that survived the horrors of Nazi Germany. Anne Frank performances will take place Friday, October 29-Sunday, October 31, 2010 at the FSU Performing Arts Center.
In Modern Greats, the Sarasota Ballet premieres In the Upper Room, choreographed by Tony Award and Emmy Award winner Twyla Tharp. Performances will take place Friday, December 3-Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Sarasota Opera House.
Sarasota pays tribute to the Royal Ballet in A Right Royal Affair. Known for premiering the brilliant choreography of greats like the Royal Ballet founder Sir Frederick Ashton, the Sarasota Ballet continues its tradition of bringing the choreography of London's infamous ballet to Sarasota. Performances will take place Friday, February 4-Sunday, February 6, 2011 at the FSU Performing Arts Center.
In Out of Denmark, one of today's most respected male dancers, Danish dancer Johan Kobborg, joins the Sarasota Ballet in a presentation of the piece he produced at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall. Performances will take place Friday March 4-Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the FSU Performing Arts Center.
In Mr. B!, Sarasota pays tribute to the great George Balanchine, a choreographer known for the work that helped bring the New York City Ballet into the forefront of the world of ballet. The performances will feature a live orchestra conducted by Emil de Cou. Performances will take place Friday, April 1-Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Sarasota Opera House.
In the last performances of its 20th anniversary season, the Sarasota Ballet will present a Spring Surprise, gathering friends in the world of dance. The Sarasota Ballet and the Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre will present a world premiere by Dominic Walsh from Friday April 29-Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the FSU Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are available as of August 1, 2010. Single tickets range from $20-$75 and group discounts are also available.
For more information on the Sarasota Ballet and to purchase tickets for one or all of these six stunning performances, visit www.sarasotaballet.org or call (941) 359-0099 ext. 101.
The "Backstage at the Ballet" lecture series is also running throughout the 2010-2011 season. Director Iain Webb and guests share their insight on ballet and open discussion to attendees. The cost for all five lectures is $125; single lectures are $35. For dates and details, visit www.sarasotaballet.org.
Celebrate the anniversary of the Sarasota Ballet at the season's end with the 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration. The event will take place on Friday, March 25, 2011. A champagne reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and a gala performance and dinner will follow. Tickets range from $200-$275 and will be available online.
Happy Anniversary to the Sarasota Ballet and, to all of the patrons, enjoy this breathtaking season.
