In this podcast, Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet shares his inspiring journey from taking his first dance steps in Yorkshire, England to main considered one of America’s most dynamic ballet firms.
Speaking from his workplace – surrounded by his assortment of ballet books and signed pictures from ballet luminaries (watch the video) – Iain displays on his lifelong ardour for the artwork type and his unimaginable expertise working with so many ballet greats.
Listen as Iain shares particular 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 assembly his spouse, former principal dancer Margaret Barbieri, Iain’s journey is full of fascinating tales.
Iain discusses rising via the ranks, to leaving the stage and dealing with Matthew Bourne as Rehearsal Director for Swan Lake and Ballet Master with Ok-Ballet Company in Japan, earlier than turning into Director of The Sarasota Ballet in 2007, a job by which he has masterfully blended respect for ballet’s historical past with a forward-looking imaginative and prescient for the corporate’s future.
Under Iain’s management, The Sarasota Ballet has flourished along with his dedication to preserving Sir Frederick Ashton’s legacy whereas increasing the corporate’s repertoire with up to date works. One of the achievements of his tenure has been The Sir Frederick Ashton Festival in 2014, held to mark the twenty fifth anniversary of Ashton’s passing. The pageant drew nationwide and worldwide reward.
Earlier this 12 months, the corporate launched into their first worldwide tour to London’s Royal Opera House presenting Ashton Celebrated. This tour introduced Iain full circle, returning to his dwelling nation and presenting a programme of works from The Royal Ballet’s founding choreographer and one of the influential dance figures of the twentieth century.
Iain’s dedication to honouring ballet’s wealthy heritage with Sir Richard Aston’s works whereas nurturing new expertise ensures Sarasota Ballet’s continued prominence within the dance world.
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