The Sarasota Ballet Director Iain Webb Receives the 2024 National Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement

June 20, 2024 | Sarasota

The Sarasota Ballet shares the news today that Director Iain Webb was awarded the 2024 British National Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement. Graham Watts and Dame Monica Mason presented the De Valois Award for Outstanding Achievement to Webb at The Coronet Theatre in London on June 3, 2024. The Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle, which comprises over 60 dance writers and critics, is responsible for this stellar recognition of Iain Webb’s vigor and dedication to dance. For 2024, there were 311 companies, choreographers, performers, and other creative artist nominees. The National Dance Awards have been organized by the Dance Section of the Critics’ Circle each year since 2000.

The timing of this prestigious award could not have been more fortuitous as Webb was already in London at the time of the ceremony preparing The Sarasota Ballet to debut on their first international tour at the Royal Opera House as part of the Ashton Celebrated programs from The Royal Ballet. Webb attended the award ceremony in the midst of rehearsals for the opening night performances the next evening, graciously accepted the award on stage, and was visibly moved by the acknowledgment of his work throughout his career.

When asked about receiving this award, Webb said, “Truly, what an honor it is to be appreciated by the Critics Circle in this way, especially receiving the De Valois Outstanding Achievement Award, as she was such an incredible lady who had a huge impact on my career and my life. To be recognized so highly for the work I have done throughout my career, especially as Director of The Sarasota Ballet, is very humbling. I thank all of those who helped to make this possible, especially Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, who has been so instrumental in shaping The Sarasota Ballet into the Company it is today, and Executive Director Joseph Volpe, whose leadership has continued to take us to the next level on the international arts scene. I am so very grateful for the support of the Critics and for this extraordinary recognition.”

A former First Soloist with The Royal Ballet and a well-known figure on the international ballet scene through his leadership roles, Webb took over the directorship of The Sarasota Ballet in 2007. Under his direction, the Company has performed 183 ballets and divertissements by the end of the 2023 – 2024 Season, including 51 world premieres and 13 American Company premieres.