Up close with ‘Carmen’ at Festival Ballet

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We have been fans of Festival Ballet Providence’s “Up Close on Hope” for years.
Watching the dancers from only a few feet away is very exciting, as you can see the expressions on their faces, the perspiration forming from their athletic moves, and actually hear them breathing.

Artistic director “Misha” Djuric has chosen Viktor Plotnikov’s beautiful and energetic choreography of Bizet’s “Carmen,” placing the action and constant movement right in front of you in the intimate studio at 825 Hope St. in Providence.

Last weekend we watched Eugenia Zinovieva dance a dazzling Carmen in perfect sync with Alex Lanz as Don Jose. (Johnston’s Jennifer Ricci had been scheduled for the role, but injured her foot.)

Zenoveiva was born in Russia and moved to the United States at an early age. She is a magnificent dancer, capturing the sexiness and fervor of Carmen.

Plotnikov’s choreography is exciting, especially during the fight scenes, where men and women battle in extraordinary moves. One misstep could cause injury.

The ensemble dancing, with innovative moves, especially with the long skirts, was magnificent.
A brief scene with three drunken dancers was hilarious, requiring perfect timing.

If you have not been to “Up Close at Hope,” you are missing one of Rhode Island’s artistic treasures.

Performances are this weekend only.
For more information, call 353-1129 or visit festivalballetprovidence.org.

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