Azara Ballet proudly presents "Momentum," the exhilarating finale of our 24/25 season performed at the beautiful theater inside Manatee Performing Arts Center. "Momentum" showcases the innovative works of three rising choreographers.

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7 Hours | Choreographed by Martin Flowers

This contemporary dance piece examines humanity’s struggle to adapt to smartphones, reflecting the average daily screen time in America. The piece begins in a time before smartphones, celebrating the simplicity and depth of face-to-face connection. As the allure of this revolutionary technology grows, the dancers portray its isolating effects, becoming 'phone zombies' consumed by artificial connections. Ultimately, the piece seeks a path forward, grappling with the addictive pull of screens and our longing for genuine human interaction.

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A Fantastic Trip | Choreographed by Arianna Hughlett

Do good ideas strike like lightning– as if an artist has a direct phone line to the creative gods? Or is good art made unpretentiously by putting one foot in front of the other? Inspiration can come from anywhere– so what does it feel like when you get there? A Fantastic Trip imagines a physical realm where inspiration lives. This piece explores the “in between” space where life inspires art and music inspires dance.

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What's Your Neighbor Doing? | By Gabriel Gaffney Smith

Bullying is a problem that transcends culture. Although the individual characteristics and undercurrents that define social status may vary across cultures and communities, the promotion of fear to control another person can be identified in every corner. What are the ways we are taught to protect ourselves when abuse is normalized? “What’s Your Neighbor Doing?” is a short story that deals with the power of love when one is faced with adversity. Love for oneself as well as your neighbor. Standing up to those who make us feel small.