Upcoming Events & Performances
MOMENTUM
March 28th 7pm
March 29th 2pm & 7pm
Azara Ballet proudly presents "Momentum," the exhilarating finale of our 24/25 season performed at the beautiful theater inside Manatee Performing Arts Center. "Momentum" showcases the innovative works of three rising choreographers.
7 Hours | Choreographed by Martin Flowers
This contemporary dance piece examines humanity’s struggle to adapt to smartphones, reflecting the average daily screen time in America. The piece begins in a time before smartphones, celebrating the simplicity and depth of face-to-face connection. As the allure of this revolutionary technology grows, the dancers portray its isolating effects, becoming 'phone zombies' consumed by artificial connections. Ultimately, the piece seeks a path forward, grappling with the addictive pull of screens and our longing for genuine human interaction.
A Fantastic Trip | Choreographed by Arianna Hughlett
Do good ideas strike like lightning– as if an artist has a direct phone line to the creative gods? Or is good art made unpretentiously by putting one foot in front of the other? Inspiration can come from anywhere– so what does it feel like when you get there? A Fantastic Trip imagines a physical realm where inspiration lives. This piece explores the “in between” space where life inspires art and music inspires dance.
What's Your Neighbor Doing? | By Gabriel Gaffney Smith
Bullying is a problem that transcends culture. Although the individual characteristics and undercurrents that define social status may vary across cultures and communities, the promotion of fear to control another person can be identified in every corner. What are the ways we are taught to protect ourselves when abuse is normalized? “What’s Your Neighbor Doing?” is a short story that deals with the power of love when one is faced with adversity. Love for oneself as well as your neighbor. Standing up to those who make us feel small.
Join us in person or digitally for an evening of dynamic and inspiring performances.
For tickets call the box office: (941) 748-5875
Or choose an option below:
AUDIENCE REVIEWS
"Phenomenal, transformative, brilliant, the whole message."
"The way they shared; the dance
tied to the story they shared.
Very touching, I cried."
"The stories and the overcoming of despair to moving, inspirational, and heartwarming. Made me feel that anything is possible."
"Moving, intentional, unique presentation with acceptance of all, as opposed to stereotypical ballet"
"Sincerity, commitment, and engagement with the audience."
Past Events & Performances
SHORT & SUITE
This show was a crowd favorite when we debuted it last season so we are bringing it back for season 2!
Celebrate the holiday season with Azara Ballet's enchanting production, "Short & Suite." Immerse yourself in a delightful blend of classical and contemporary ballet as we present an hour of pure entertainment and joy for the entire family. This captivating show features a mesmerizing act of Nutcracker Suite excerpts, followed by a spirited performance set to contemporary holiday music. Join us for a magical journey that will leave you with cherished memories and festive cheer.
Choreographed by: Martin Roosaare
VOICES of AZARA
Welcome to Azara Ballet's highly anticipated debut show of the 2024/2025 Season: "Voices of Azara."
This groundbreaking performance is a celebration of our company's unique talent and creativity, as our professional dancers step into the spotlight not only as performers but also as choreographers. In a departure from tradition, "Voices of Azara" offers a platform for our dancers to share their voices and visions through movement, showcasing the depth of their artistry and the diversity of their perspectives.
Prepare to be captivated as each dancer infuses their choreography with personal stories, emotions, dreams and experiences, creating a rich tapestry of expression on stage.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable journey – secure your tickets now and be captivated by the magic of Azara Ballet's groundbreaking performance.
LOVE between LINES
March 1st & 2nd, 2024
Experience the grand finale of Azara Ballet's inaugural season with "Love between Lines," a mesmerizing contemporary ballet show with an overarching theme of cultural freedom and liberation. 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.
EXPRESSIONS
November 17 & 18, 2023
Expressions is a collection of 4 short contemporary ballets, featuring our talented ensemble of 14 professional dancers and showcasing the creative vision of emerging and diverse choreographers.
Divine Serenity | Choreography, Leiland Charles | Music, Connor Chee
Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee is known for combining his classical piano training with his Native American heritage. Leiland brings to life a physical manifestation of the beauty in Connor's songs through choreography that reflects the serenity found in nature.
Lost & Found | Choreography, Martin Roosaare
Lost & Found tells the story of the despair that is felt when growing up in a broken family environment. The dances take you through heartache, pain, and loneliness to ultimately discover the magic that can be found through love and chosen family.
Resilience | Choreography, Kate Flowers & Martin Roosaare
This piece showcases 5 dances and examples of resilience; Personal resilience, resilience in women, resilience in romance, resilience when faced with isolation, and collective resilience.
Symphony | Choreography, Joshua Stayton
Inspired by a "La la land" theme, Joshua created Symphony as a way to express the many different types of relationships we experience in life and how those connections make us feel.
SHORT & SUITE
December 20-23, 2023
