Sarasota Ballet to perform at Ballet Across America III

Sarasota Ballet dancers' bags are packed for Washington D.C. where they are headed to perform alongside the top companies in the nation from June 4 through 9 at The Kennedy Center in Ballet Across America III.

And, of course, Director Iain Webb selected an Ashton piece for the company to perform — after all, Ashton has found a special home in Sarasota where his choreography is a staple each season. The company will perform “Les Patineurs,” an unusual and quirky piece of choreography because its setting is at a Victorian skating party — and the dancers glide across the stage as if on skates. It was presented in 2008 and 2011 by the company, which received rave reviews on both accounts. They gave a preview of the 25-minute performance Thursday, May 30 in their studio at FSU Center for the Performing Arts. If it is any indication of how they will represent Sarasota — it’s a good one.