Turning Pointe

There are numerous words synonymous with ballet: elegant, sophisticated, classical, highbrow, “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake.” However, there is quite a different word associated with ballet dancers that most people don’t think of: grit.

“Ballet is a physical extreme no other art form has,” says Danielle Brown, principal dancer for the Sarasota Ballet. “I do think dancers are some of the strongest human beings.”

The Sarasota Ballet’s physical elasticity, tenacity and strength have been on display since its founding in 1990. With the addition of Iain Webb in 2007 at the helm as artistic director, the Ballet’s determination, imagination and fighting spirit have rapidly rocketed the company into national and international prominence with creative and spirited interpretations of classic productions and staging of world premieres.

“It’s been a lot of hard work over the past seven years,” Webb says. “There’s a lot more hard work still to come, and I think it’s great for our Sarasota community and hopefully shines a light on all the arts in Sarasota and how great it is.”

All of that hard work has garnered a lot of attention from the national dance community, with the Sarasota Ballet receiving invitations to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, participating in the annual “Ballet Across America” series, receiving a listing in Pointe Magazine as one of the top 10 performances of 2013 and hosting a Sir Frederick Ashton Festival dedicated to the works of the 20th century British dancer/choreographer whose work has become synonymous with the company.

This past weekend the determination and dedication of Webb, his staff and the more than 50 dancers who call Sarasota Ballet home culminated in a high honor and a first in the 24-year history of the organization: performing in New York City.

Performing what has become its signature piece, Ashton’s “Les Patineurs,” the Sarasota Ballet closed the 11th annual Fall for Dance Festival at the New York City Center with two separate performances Saturday and Sunday. Not only did the company close the festival, which featured 20 acclaimed international dance companies and artists, but it also sold out its two performances. The Ballet performed the only non-modern/contemporary piece in the entire festival.

Exposure to the New York City dance community will likely accelerate the already rapid ascension of the Sarasota Ballet, but the light and entertaining “Les Patineurs” (which recreates the fanciful movements of ice skating through ballet) will have reached even the most casual of dance enthusiasts.

“What I think is exciting about the Fall for Dance Festival is that it’s just for regular people who enjoy seeing dance,” says Jamie Carter, soloist dancer for Sarasota Ballet. “It’s not an elitist event with just dance world insiders.”

And with the Ballet’s seven-program season coming up, including two world premieres, the performances at the New York City Center serve as an adrenaline shot for the work and excitement that lies ahead.

“I think it’ll be a great way to start the season,” says Amy Wood, soloist for Sarasota Ballet. “We have got the best job to get to dance around and do what we love for a living.”

Asked what’s next for the company after such a seminal achievement, Webb responds quickly.

“I can’t tell you that, but lots of exciting things,” says Webb. “Let’s just say I’ve got a whole bucket list that I’d love to see the company do.”