The Sarasota Ballet embarked on a momentous journey, crossing the Atlantic to showcase its extensive Frederick Ashton repertoire in the very heart of the ballet world: London’s Royal Opera House. This marked the Florida-based company’s inaugural international tour, an exciting culmination of years of dedication and artistic excellence.
The Sarasota Ballet’s artistic directors, Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri, former dancers with the prestigious Royal Ballet, have meticulously cultivated a rich repertoire. Their commitment to the legacy of Frederick Ashton has earned The Sarasota Ballet international recognition, particularly for its masterful execution of his intricate and dynamic choreography.
A Showcase of Ashton’s Masterpieces
The Sarasota Ballet’s week-long performance at the Royal Opera House was a celebration of Ashton’s lesser-known, intimate works. They presented a selection of “chamber pieces” like Façade, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, Dante Sonata, and Sinfonietta, each showcasing the elegance and depth of Ashton’s artistry in a more intimate setting. The Linbury Theatre, with its smaller scale, provided a perfect backdrop for these refined and nuanced ballets.
The contrasting program featured larger-scale works from the Royal Ballet, including Les Rendezvous, The Dream, and Rhapsody. This juxtaposition offered a comprehensive view of Ashton’s diverse creative genius, from the grandeur of his corps de ballet choreography in The Dream to the witty humor of Façade.
Dancing Amongst the Stars
For The Sarasota Ballet, performing in the “House of Ashton” was a dream realized. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary for Ricardo Graziano and Daniel Pratt, two long-time company members who shared their insights into the whirlwind experience of performing on the iconic Royal Opera House stage.
Rehearsals were intense, a constant dance of coordination between Sarasota’s dancers and the Royal Opera House timetable. Despite the tight schedule, the camaraderie amongst the dancers and the welcoming atmosphere of the Royal Opera House made the experience truly enjoyable.
The chance encounters with the Royal Ballet’s star dancers, like Natalia Osipova and Marcelino Sambé, left a lasting impression on Graziano. Sharing the stage with such luminaries was a surreal moment, a testament to the company’s remarkable journey.
A Moment of Homecoming and Inspiration
For Daniel Pratt, performing at the Royal Opera House was a nostalgic homecoming. He was born and raised in south London and recalled his childhood experiences witnessing ballet in this very theatre. Returning to his roots and dancing on the stage where he was first inspired was a poignant moment, a fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
The tour provided a unique opportunity for The Sarasota Ballet dancers to learn from their peers at the Royal Ballet. Although formal class sessions together were not possible due to logistical constraints, the brief interactions during rehearsals and performances proved invaluable.
The Sarasota Ballet left London with a renewed sense of inspiration and a deep appreciation for the legacy of Frederick Ashton. The experience was a celebration of their dedication to his work and a promise of future collaborations, bridging the gap between continents and artistic traditions.
