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(SARASOTA, FL) [October 27, 2026] — The Sarasota Ballet announces a charitable gift of $5,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to support performance costumes for Dance—The Next Generation (DNG). The funds will provide costumes for student performances throughout the 2026 – 2027 school year, including the popular March DNG Live! and the end-of-year production. This support will help students bring their training to the stage and share their accomplishments with families and the community.
DNG serves eligible students in grades 3 – 12 in Sarasota and Manatee Counties through an inclusive, diverse, and well-rounded after-school program offered free of cost. Combining quality dance training with academic support, guidance, and enrichment opportunities, the program helps students develop confidence, discipline, and connections with their peers.
Performances are an essential part of this experience, giving students a shared goal and an opportunity to apply what they have learned. Preparing for the stage develops teamwork and responsibility, while costumes help students connect with the character and style of the choreography. The Foundation’s gift supports this important element of their dance education.
“Performances give our Dance—The Next Generation students an opportunity to take pride in their progress and share it with the people who support them,” said Christopher Hird, Education Director at The Sarasota Ballet. “Costumes add to the students experience on stage and bring that magic of the theatre to life. We are grateful to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for helping make these opportunities possible.”
Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates four cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated more than $68 million.
“Suncoast Credit Union is thrilled to help students fulfill their passion for the performing arts,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Credit Union Foundations. “We wish the students the very best in the competition and look forward to seeing their talents shine on stage.”
The Sarasota Ballet enriches its community through professional performances, dance education, and community engagement. Celebrating 20 years under Director Iain Webb in 2026 – 2027, the Company has earned international recognition for its distinctive repertoire and commitment to ballet’s heritage. Its educational programs include The Sarasota Ballet School, The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, and The Conservatory. Dance—The Next Generation (DNG) provides dance education and academic enrichment for students in grades 3–12, alongside other Community Engagement programs that expand access to dance and the arts. Support from partners such as the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is vital to sustaining DNG’s quality and scope. By helping meet student performance costs, this award supports comprehensive dance education free of cost, giving students the resources to develop their abilities and succeed on stage.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida, the seventh largest in the United States by membership and the 10th largest by assets, with more than $22 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast operates 98 full-service branches and serves more than 1.5 million members statewide. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works or attends school in Suncoast’s service area is eligible for membership. In August 2026, members of Launch Credit Union approved a merger with Suncoast. Launch will operate as Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union, during the transition period while the organizations work toward full operational integration by mid-2027. Guided by its “people helping people” philosophy, Suncoast is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves. Since 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $68 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education and emotional well-being of children. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
About The Sarasota Ballet
The Sarasota Ballet has earned national and international acclaim under the leadership of Director Iain Webb, Executive Director Joseph Volpe, and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri. The 2026–2027 Season marks Webb’s 20th anniversary as Director, celebrating two decades of artistic leadership that have shaped the Company’s international reputation for excellence. Together, Webb, Volpe, and Barbieri bring decades of experience and a shared vision that continues to elevate the Company’s 30+ year mission to enrich lives and strengthen the community through the art of dance.
In 2024, the Company embarked on its first international residency at London’s Royal Opera House, following acclaimed U.S. appearances at the Kennedy Center, New York City Center, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Its expansive repertoire spans the works of iconic choreographers including Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Sir Matthew Bourne, and Christopher Wheeldon.
Beyond the stage, The Sarasota Ballet fosters education and community engagement through The Sarasota Ballet School, The Conservatory, and numerous outreach programs that share the art and joy of dance with all.
When referencing the Company, please credit as The Sarasota Ballet.
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