ON THE FLIP SIDE: A+E TAKE A BOW: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens new stage. SELBY GARDENS: Guests start decade with New Year’s Eve gala. 6
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020
SARASOTA BALLET 29TH GALA Sunday, Jan. 5 at Sarasota Opera House | Benefiting Sarasota Ballet
HARRY SAYER BLACK TIE REPORTER
C
hilly weather couldn’t stop the Sarasota Ballet from starting its 29th season in style with its annual gala at
the Sarasota Opera House. More than 350 guests kicked off the night with a cocktail hour before enjoying a comprehensive performance by Sarasota Ballet company dancers. The production also had performances from Diana Vishneva, Marcelo Gomes, Misa Kuranaga, Angelo Greco and more. Attendees then retired to a dinner tent outside, where they heard words of thanks from cochairwomen Emily Walsh, Kate Honea and Audrey Robbins as well as Executive Director Joseph Volpe. Company staff recognized 2020 honoree Margaret Barbieri, the assistant director of Photos by Harry Sayer
Above: Director Iain Webb and Honoree Margaret Barbieri Left: Lauren and Candice Henry
the Sarasota Ballet and a former Prima Ballerina of The Royal Ballet.
Executive Director Joseph Volpe and Jean Volpe
Co-chairwomen Emily Walsh, Audrey Robbins and Kate Honea
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