Festival Ballet Providence Presents Triple Bill of Balanchine, Stravinsky and Wheeldon

Festival Ballet Providence (FBP, festivalballet.com) presents Director's Choice, an exciting evening of world-class choreography. Curated by FBP Artistic Director, Mihailo "Misha" Djuric, the dazzling performance comprises three different ballets showcasing an artistic range only Festival Ballet could present. A world premiere adaptation of Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale (celebrating its centennial this year) will be performed to live music from members of the RI Philharmonic. This triple-bill program will also include George Balanchine's iconic Rubies and the RI Premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's The American. Director's Choice runs Feb. 9-11 at The Vets in Providence.

In celebration of FBP's 40th "Ruby" Anniversary Season, the evening bursts open with George Balanchine's explosive Rubies, a red hot neoclassical piece. This acclaimed ballet celebrated its own 50th anniversary in 2017 and is one of the celebrated choreographer's most treasured works. FBP is one of only two dance companies in New England that performs Balanchine's tightly held works. Rubies displays impeccable technique and vibrant personality inspired by the glitzy windows of a fine jewelry store in New York City. Stravinsky's jazzy score provides a fitting backdrop and glamorous costumes bring this sparkling masterpiece to life.

Christopher Wheeldon's The American will stand as the Rhode Island premiere of the Tony Award winner's choreography. Wheeldon is one of the 21st century's foremost choreographers, "high on the list of ballet's most important living choreographers," according to the New York Times. His work--sought after by every major ballet company in the world--weaves together classical ballet technique with neoclassical lyricism and athletic skill. This graceful homage to the American Great Plains is set to Antonín Dvo?ák's tranquil musical composition of the same name and inspiration (the composer was inspired by rural Iowa landscapes where he spent a summer creating the 1894 work). Intricate partnering, sweeping lifts, and striking musicality bring this romantic piece to life.

The evening culminates in a groundbreaking collaboration. The Soldier's Tale is a theatrical production "to be read, played, and danced." Based on a Russian folk tale, the piece was conceived by composer Igor Stravinsky and Swiss writer C. F. Ramuz. The story follows a soldier who makes a deal with the devil, trading his fiddle for unlimited riches. The Soldier's Tale celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, but FBP brings an all-new version to the stage, with fresh choreography from resident choreographer Viktor Plotnikov, narration by actor Nigel Gore, and live music by a septet from the RI Philharmonic under the baton of Alexey Shabalin.

In curating the program, Djuric focused on the style and tone of each ballet. "This program offers audiences a taste of art and dance from many different angles," he said, adding, "the assembling of disciplines means we are creating something that transcends the label of 'dance' or 'music' and rises to something that is truly and simply 'art' in the purest sense."

Escape the cold and celebrate an anniversary or two (or three!), with electric dancing, impressive choreography, and live music on the VETS stage!

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