Iain Webb promotes Sarasota Ballet dancers to soloists

Opening night is quickly becoming the exciting night to attend Sarasota Ballet. Of course, it's the first time the public gets to see the ballet. But mostly, it's because Artistic Director Iain Webb started a new trend of announcing promotions for his dancers on stage opening night.

On Friday, Nov. 22 in Program Two's "Balanchine & Ashton," he promoted Juan Gil, Alex Harrison and Ellen Overstreet from Coryphee to Soloists. Earlier this fall, he promoted Gil and Overstreet from Corps de Ballet to Coryphee — you can read about it here.

This news isn't entirely surprising to Sarasota Ballet fans who have seen all three dancers shine on solos throughout the season, particularly in this weekend's performances. You can read a story profiling dancer Ellen Overstreet and her role in "Illuminations" here.

In October's "Theatre of Dreams," this season's first program, he set the precedent and promoted Mirella Costa Neto from Apprentice to Corps de Ballet. And, to make things more exciting, her boyfriend proposed to her later that evening.

Leave it to the unpredictable, boyish Iain Webb to bring his audience and dancers this level of excitement. You can get in on the next program's excitement (assuming he continues this new trend), by attending opening night of Program 3 "John Ringling's Circus Nutcracker" Dec. 20. Head to Sarasota Ballet's website for tickets and more information. 

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