IAIN WEBB AND MARGARET BARBIERI “IN CONVERSATION”

Photo: Barbara Banks
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Iain Webb  was born in Yorkshire and, after training at The Rambert and Royal Ballet Schools, graduated into the (then) Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet. Having danced many leads with that company, he transferred to The Royal Ballet in 1989 where he specialised in character roles.

Following his retirement from dancing in 1996, Iain worked as Rehearsal Director for Sir Matthew Bourne’s shows before becoming, firstly, Ballet Master and, then, Assistant Director of Tetsuya Kumakawa’s newly formed company in Japan. He has produced and directed international performances and has worked with, and organised tours for, well-known ballet stars while, at the same time, undertaking guest teaching and giving masterclasses.

Iain took over as Director of Sarasota Ballet in 2007 where his exciting repertoire choices and focus on the works of Sir Frederick Ashton have brought the company significant national and international acclaim.

Margaret Barbieri moved to England from South Africa to train at The Royal Ballet School. She graduated into The Royal Ballet Touring Company in 1965, danced Giselle aged 21, and became a Principal in 1970.

She enjoyed a highly successful 25 year career, during which she danced most of the leading roles in the company’s repertoire, a number of which were televised, and guested internationally.

Margaret worked closely with most of the great choreographers of the 20th Century (MacMillan; Cranko; Tudor;  Nureyev), with roles being made on her by Ashton, Wright, Bintley, Corder and Hynd.

Following her retirement in 1990, Margaret became very active in ballet education and governance, was much in demand as a competition judge, and staged ballets worldwide, including in Sarasota, where she became Assistant Director in 2011.