Iain Webb renews contract with Sarasota Ballet

Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb has signed a six-year contract with the company that will take him at least through the 2016-2017 season.

“We could not be more pleased with the tremendous growth our Sarasota Ballet has experienced since Iain arrived,” said Hillary Steele, chair of The Sarasota Ballet Board of Directors. “The vote was unanimous, and we are all looking forward to continued artistic growth and financial health for the organization.

Webb, who has just completed his fourth season with the ballet, has brought to the company 101 ballets and divertissements — among them 16 world premieres, 27 U.S. premieres, 55 Sarasota premieres and four new productions.

Webb credits much of his success to the energetic and talented dancers who, season after season, enthusiastically master the broad diversity of choreography.

“This has been one of the most satisfying professional challenges of my life,” Webb said. “I am extraordinarily grateful for the support I have received from the Board of Directors, The Sarasota Ballet association, our donors, audience and staff, who welcomed me to Sarasota four years ago, and continue to make the success of The Sarasota Ballet a reality.”

Contact Loren Mayo at [email protected].