Kate Flowers remembers vividly the moment a childhood ballet teacher pinched the skin on her 10-year-old belly between her thumb and forefinger – making clear, without saying a word, that her stomach ...

"Be able to fit in a toaster!" "We don’t want to see your lunch!" From as early as age 7, commands like that are common in the competitive, highly disciplined world of ballet—one of great beauty, but ...

In less than three years, Azara Ballet has grown and gained attention far beyond the expectations or hopes of its founders Kate Flowers and Martin Flowers. In launching Azara, the couple aimed to ...

At Azara Ballet, dancers aren’t expected to make eye contact with directors and choreographers. If company members need an impromptu break from the harsh stage lights during rehearsal, they take one.

BRADENTON, Fla. — They are moving with grace through a world that often isn't fitted for them and in some cases one which has rejected them. Ahead of their signature holiday performance, a local ...