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

Founders Kate Flowers and Martin Roosaare started this organization with the goal of uplifting people through dance. Kate was unable to pursue her dream career as a professional dancer; the unhealthy aspects that sometimes exist within ballet culture led her to suffer from eating disorders that turned into drug abuse by age 16. After a decade without dance, she focused on recovery and now, fully dedicated to Azara Ballet, she has fulfilled her lifelong desire to dance professionally, to change the ballet narrative for the better, and to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. Martin has danced for the last 20+ years with over a decade of accomplishment in his professional career. After being diagnosed with autism at age 28, he was able to reflect on the many struggles he faced as a young, undiagnosed child. He now attributes much of his success and happiness to the structure and discipline of ballet and its ability to be a non-verbal form of expression.

Kate and Martin are passionate about being inclusive and representative of the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities through their outreach programs, as well as bringing arts education to the community in a revolutionary, body positive and mentally healthy way. Azara offers the following programs:

Atypical Dance Initiative is an autism dance initiative program designed to enhance the lives of individuals who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum through fun, interactive ballet classes.

The Brains, Balance and Ballet program was created for people with Parkinson's Disease.

Artistry Inspired Youth brings their professional dance company and staff to local school facilities to provide lecture demonstrations that teach students about the importance and history of dance as an art form. This includes both education and entertainment that can inspire the youth to appreciate, be moved and potentially want to become involved with this transformative performing art.

Spirited Shows is focused on bringing the art of dance to individuals who can no longer leave their residential facilities, under-served communities, LGBTQ+ youth centers, and more. This program offers emotionally vibrant in-house performances which provide accessible and inspirational entertainment.

Learn about this new company and the incredible impact they are making in the Sarasota community.