Our mission is to promote the art of dance through training and mentoring the rising generation of young dance artists; presenting performances with world-class dance stars that feature a variety of dance styles; and reaching out to the community with programs designed both to educate youth and adults about dance and engender their interest and support. Sarasota International Dance Festival, Inc.'s first endeavor to complete its mission is the establishment in 2010 the Carreno Dance Festival, whose accomplisments include: Five performances at the Sarasota Opera House that featured dance luminaries from American Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, Jacoby and Pronk Contemporary DanceA yearly Summer Intensive Program for gifted pre-professional dance students with a faculty that includes internationally renowned dance stars amd Master Teachers. The program is based at the Sarasota Opera House and its culmination is a "Festival of Stars" performance, in which the students dance on stage with the stars.Commuunity outreach programs such as luncheons with guest speakers who are well-known in the dance world, and free public lectures on dance-related subjects.

Impact Summary from the Nonprofit Top Accomplishments: September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012 Doubled Enrollment in Second Summer Intensive from 50 to 100 Students. This program is competitive and for admisssion students must audition either in person or by submitting an application and video online. Among factors contributing to growth are: Increased recognition of the program's uniqueness in the international dance communityAn unmatched faculty that included international dance stars and Master Teachers from the world's best ballet companiesAuditions in seven cities throughout USAvailability of scholarships (full tuition, tuition/room/board and partial tuition scholarships Grant Awards Selby Foundation - $35,000 grant to purchase portable "sprung" floor to be used on stage and in practice rooms at Sarasota Opera House as well as other venues, and portable barresSarasota County Government Tourist Development Cultural /Arts - $18,000 for 2013 Dance performance at Sarasota Opera HouseState of Florida Cultural Arts Grant - awarded $25,000 grant for marketing our programsIn April 2012, we sponsored our first Cultural Tour. Fifty-five people subscribed to Cuba Dance Tour accompanied by Jose Carreno, world famous ballet star, Cuba native, and artistic director of our Carreno Dance Festival, and Robert de Warren, president CEO of SIDAF. Activities included Cuban dance performances; classses and reheasals at top Cuban ballet schools, and private guides tours of museums and historical attractions. Goals for Current Year Apply for additional grantsIncrease donations to Scholarship fund for Summer IntensivePresent professional performances with stars never seen before in Sarasota, and inaugural presentations of newly choreographed worksAdd members to Board of TrusteesSponsor one or more tours to world dance capitals