Experience the grand finale of Azara Ballet's inaugural season with "Love between Lines," a mesmerizing contemporary ballet show that transcends boundaries and ignites the soul. This unique production features four original short works of art, each a testament to the creative prowess of Azara Ballet's talented dancers and choreographers. 

Love is Love | Choreography, Kate Flowers

As an LGBTQ+ identifying ballerina, Kate was inspired to bring the message of love and equality to the stage through the lens of ballet. Fueled by the lack of queer representation she had growing up in the media and in the dance world, she proudly challenges traditional ballet norms with her piece, Love is Love. 

Kodumaa | Choreography, Martin Roosaare

Choreographer Martin Roosaare unveils a lesser-known narrative of his Estonian heritage in this captivating dance piece. Exploring the poignant tale of Estonia's liberation from the Soviet Union in 1991, commonly referred to as the "singing revolution," Roosaare weaves a mesmerizing story using the expressive language of dance, set to the evocative backdrop of Estonian music and compositions.

In the Studio | Choreography, Martin Roosaare & Kate Flowers

This piece unveils the untold stories of dancers. Beyond the masterpiece of beauty and elegance that an audience witnesses in the final product on stage, there are years of passion, hard work and often pain. This piece delves into the internal world and mental struggles of dancers by inviting you to view the perspective "In the Studio".

Ms. Protagonist | Choreography, Olivia Huseonica

Ms Protagonist boldly examines the diverse roles assigned to women in media and society.  The dancers convey a compelling message – real women are not confined by prescribed roles or the limited imaginations of those who tell their stories. This cinematic and inspiring work celebrates the profound truth that women are far beyond capable of transcending the inadequate narratives that are often ascribed to them.

Azara Ballet is a non-profit professional dance company creating classical and contemporary works of art to be enjoyed by the Sarasota/Manatee community. Our focus is on changing ballet culture for the better with mental and emotional wellness through the lens of dance by encouraging body positivity and unique individuality. 

The name Azara came from our findings about the origins of Sarasota. We found a map from the 1700's where the city was called Zara Zota and the loose translation was "a place of dancing"! We knew we wanted our name to reflect us and be unique in nature. So we moved some letters around and came up with Azara; and we will most certainly be a place of dancing.

Visit azaraballet.org 

Since 1966, the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center has served as a cultural center for Manatee and Sarasota counties hosting both College and community-sponsored events. The main performance hall remodeled in 1999 features a 65 x 40 foot stage, seating for 830 patrons, as well as wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms. The magnificent Elizabeth M. Eaton Memorial Pipe Organ, a 50-rank, 3-manual instrument built by master craftsman Charles McManis, was rededicated in October 2000.