Joshua Stayton performing. Provided photo.

Azara Ballet is dedicated to changing the game. The Sarasota-based, non-profit professional dance company, which just concluded its second season, is dedicated to not only producing innovative ballet performances, but also changing ballet culture. Azara—based loosely on an old name for Sarasota, “Zara Zota”, meaning “a place of dance”—was founded by Kate and Martin Flowers to be a safe haven for dancers. Both Kate and Martin had grown up dancing ballet, yet Kate left the sport at 16 from the underlying toxicity that led to eating disorders and eventually drug abuse. Martin, who went on to have a professional career as a dancer, had a more positive experience—after being diagnosed with autism at 28, he credits much of his happiness and career success to ballet's innate ability to be a non-verbal form of expression.

Azara Ballet was created with the intention of providing an accepting, body-positive professional dance company that would provide neurodivergent and autistic communities the chance to experience the art of ballet.

On May 17, at Azara’s Masquerade Gala, the company announced the hiring of a new artistic director, Joshua Stayton. Stayton is an accomplished dancer, choreographer and teacher, having been a soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet, the Tulsa Ballet and has had world premieres of his works with Azara Ballet and other companies.

“This is a full circle moment for me,” says Stayton. “I’ve known Kate for 25 years now, we first met at the Cincinnati School for Performing Arts and played Clara and Fritz in the school’s production of The Nutcracker. To be joining her all these years later is something that I never could have dreamed of, especially with such a close friend.”

As Stayton transitions from the stage to the studio, he notes that he’s excited to carry on Azara’s unique vision, while leading the charge in season programming, casting, choreography and ultimately teaching the dancers of the company. “There’s a quote that I saw a few years ago that I’ve been living by as a teacher and a choreographer, which is ‘to be a true leader, don’t show them your superpowers, show them theirs’. I’ve had my time as a performer and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. My vision and direction is to openly communicate and let the dancers feel appreciated for the work that they’re doing, while trying to give them the tools they need to improve on their technique and artistry and discover that confidence and security within themselves.”

Azara Ballet, Inc., 5020 Clark Rd, Suite 504, Sarasota, 34233.

Joshua Stayton performing. Provided photo.

To learn more click here