London Tour | Ashton Celebrated
The Sarasota Ballet has grown over the past decades into one of America’s leading ballet companies, garnering acclaim for its extensive repertoire of Sir Frederick Ashton’s works. In June of 2024 at the invitation of The Royal Ballet Director Kevin O’Hare, The Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, both former Royal Ballet dancers, brought to the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House a selection of Ashton works shown over two programs. The Sarasota Ballet also appeared alongside The Royal Ballet on the Main Stage to perform The Walk to the Paradise Garden. Part of the Ashton Celebrated program, these performances pay tribute to Ashton’s remarkable choreographic range and celebrate his legacy as Founder Choreographer of The Royal Ballet and a pioneer of 20th-century ballet.
This first international tour for The Sarasota Ballet has been very well received with rave reviews from fans and critics alike in the UK and beyond. We hope you will enjoy reading about the warm reception and praise the Company received abroad in the selection of articles and reviews below.
In The Press – Articles & Reviews
Margaret Barbieri on the eve of the Company’s performances at the Royal Opera House
“It is such an unbelievable honor to be invited to perform at the Royal Opera House, and we are so grateful.” – Margaret Barbieri
American Visitors lead the way in the National Dance Awards
“The premier ‘lifetime’ award, the De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement, was presented to Iain Webb.”
Treat Your Soul to Sarasota
“Their positions at The Sarasota Ballet – and the invitation to give seven performances at Covent Garden . . . indicate the high regard in which the Florida company is held.”
Alastair Macaulay on The Sarasota Ballet’s International Debut
“Downstairs in the Linbury Studio Theatre this week, the Sarasota Ballet is presenting Ashton rarities . . .”
A glorious opening for Ashton Worldwide Festival
“We have a small ballet company in Florida to thank for bringing back to Britain a selection of Frederick Ashton ballets unseen here in decades.”
A delightful tribute to Frederick Ashton
“Lovers of Frederick Ashton, therefore, owe The Sarasota Ballet and its director Iain Webb . . . a great debt for its loving preservation of his work.”
The Sarasota Ballet brings Ashton home
“If the stage was a little too small, the dancers didn’t let it hold them back and gave generously, obviously enjoying their first time at the Royal Opera House.”
The Sarasota Ballet’s triple bill tribute to Frederick Ashton in London
“The Sarasota Ballet has finally made its London debut with a series of eclectic programs at the Linbury Theatre.”
The Sarasota Ballet – Program 1, Royal Opera House
“They [Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri] worked closely with Ashton during this period, so act as very qualified gatekeepers of the canon in the United States.”
Ashton Gala: keeping his ballets very much alive
“This charming, chic, and chucklesome evening of splendid nostalgia topped off a great week of dance.”
Sarasota Ballet earns rave reviews for London debut
“The polished performances sent ripples of accolades across the ballet world, drew some of the biggest names in British dance to the audience. “
Two Sarasota Ballet Dancers Look Back on Their London Tour
“You could be so intimidated by that huge stage and that beautiful auditorium, but they just went out there, and I was so proud to be part of The Sarasota Ballet.”
The Sarasota Ballet Returns from Its First London Tour in Triumph
“We were very nervous, but at the end of the first performance, the audience was on their feet, so excited . . . The dancers were incredible”
The Sarasota Ballet takes London by storm
“All hail the Sarasota Ballet. They came, they saw, they conquered . . . there seemed little doubt that the Sarasota Ballet would be a hit in London. “
Sarasota Ballet director reflects on a major dance award and the coming season
“I was amazed that Kevin O’Hare, the director of the Royal Ballet actually said, ‘Well, why don’t we launch the celebration together?'” Webb said.
Sarasota Ballet Wows London Audiences, Prepares 2024-25 Season
“The company is known for the ballets of Sir Frederick Ashton, and we preserve a lot of his works, but we’re not just a museum company. There’s quite a lot coming.”