Fine Arts Society of Sarasota honors Sarasota Ballet

Christmas trees bursting with warm holiday cheer stood proud in the corner of the expansive dining hall at Michael’s On East. Miniature Nutcracker toys stood guard at the center of each of the dozens of white cloth dining tables. A black and empty dance stage filled the center of the room. And large screens illuminated the room with a slide show of black and white photographs featuring ballerinas, dancers and choreographers from another time and place far removed from the present.

This was the enchanting scene that welcomed guests, members and art lovers to the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota’s annual “Celebrate The Arts” luncheon. The function included a meal, fundraiser and art market that were all centered on the day’s main event: the Luminaire Award.

“This even is the highlight of our year at the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota,” says Nancy Andrews, president of the society. “It’s a fundraiser for local Sarasota art students, a wonderful celebration, and we get to honor magnificent artists with the Luminaire Award.”

Given by the society to those members of the arts community that have made outstanding contributions to Sarasota’s arts community, past recipients of the Luminaire include artist, sculptor and champion of the circus Howard Tibbles and former artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre Howard Millman.

This year’s Luminaire Award was given to Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri, director and assistant director of the Sarasota Ballet, respectively. Ever since the duo’s arrival in Sarasota in the summer of 2007, their impact on Sarasota and its ballet have been enormous. The dance duo completely overhauled the ballet’s repertoire, dance company and focus, and in just in the past four seasons alone has produced 16 world premieres, 55 new ballets to Sarasota, and 27 American premieres. Their passion, drive and unyielding ambition have catapulted the Sarasota Ballet on to the dancing world stage with their noted productions of the work of Sir Frederick Ashton. And just this October, the company performed the finale piece to the New York City Center’s “Fall for Dance” Festival.

Webb and Barbieri have accomplished so much in the seven short years they have been here, but they are far from finished. “There is so much left to be done,” says Webb. “It always feel nice when people understand and honor your vision, but it is only my eighth year here.”

And though the Luminaire Award and the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota were honoring the two of them, Webb and Barbieri always brought focus back to the company and the artistic process.

“It’s an honor, really, but no one can do anything without our board, donors and of course are talented dancers,” says Barbieri.

The luncheon and ceremony honoring Webb and Barbieri was a reflection on all that they’ve accomplished in their career and in Sarasota. Nostalgia and appreciation were in the air. But the ever vigilant Webb and Barbieri were already discussing what lies ahead.

“Step by step, dollar by dollar, dance by dance we remember where we’ve come from and where we want to go,” says Webb. “We have many exciting plans,” added Barbieri with glee.