The Sarasota Ballet opens Dreams of Nature at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on March 2, featuring two Company Premieres: Sir Frederick Ashton’s The Dream and Birmingham Royal Ballet Director David Bintley’s ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café. These performances mark a moment in dance history as The Sarasota Ballet becomes the first American ballet company to be given permission to perform David Bintley’s prophetic ‘Still Life’ at the Penguin Café. The Company also welcomes Principal Dancer of Stuttgart Ballet, Friedemann Vogel, performing as a guest artist in the role of ‘Oberon’ in The Dream. These performances will be accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra under the baton of Ormsby Wilkins, Music Director of American Ballet Theatre. Performing The Dream represents a pinnacle for Director Iain Webb, as it has long been his desire to bring this masterpiece of Ashton choreography to the Company. It is also brings together an extraordinary group of individuals for its production, principally Sir Anthony Dowell, the greatest British male classical dancer and former Director of The Royal Ballet. Accompanying Dowell in staging The Dream is Christopher Carr, former Ballet Master with The Royal Ballet and assisting with the staging is Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, who was personally coached by Ashton in the role of ‘Titania.’ Together with Director Webb, who himself performed the roles of ‘Oberon’ and ‘Bottom,’ this creative team have been able to pass on their astonishing insight and artistry to the dancers of The Sarasota Ballet.

Sarasota Ballet