79 ~ Sarasota Ballet's Director Iain Webb

Born in Yorkshire, England, Iain started ballet at the age of 14 and moved to London at 16, where he trained for two years with The Rambert School of Ballet, a year at The Royal Ballet School and a further year as an apprentice with The Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet where he was offered a full time position.  In 1989 he transferred to The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden. In 1996, Iain Webb retired from The Royal Ballet, but was invited back as a guest artist to give three farewell performances.  After retiring as a dancer, he was invited by Matthew Bourne to be Rehearsal Director for The West End, L.A. and Broadway seasons of Swan Lake.  He continued to work with Bourne on his production of Cinderella.  In 1999, Iain was asked by Tetsuya Kumakawa to join his newly formed K-Ballet Company in Japan as Ballet Master. Two years later was appointed Assistant Director. In July 2007, Webb took over the directorship of The Sarasota Ballet and during the last four seasons the company has performed 102 ballets & divertissements which include 16 world premieres, 55 Sarasota premieres, 4 new productions and 27 American premieres.  Iain's interview not only inspires but provides valuable tips and words of wisdom for anyone interested in a career in dance. http://balancing-pointe.com/ http://www.sarasotaballet.org/ http://www.yourobserver.com/article/leaping-page