Festival Ballet Providence to Present First Installment of 'Up Close On Hope' Series

Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) presents the first installment of its popular Up Close On Hope series with a thrilling performance of world-class dancing November 10-19, 2017 in the Company's Black Box Theater at 825 Hope Street in Providence.

This two-part series (the second of which takes place March 2018) brings the audience in such close proximity to the dancers that every breath, step, turn and jump is uniquely intimate and personal.

Featuring five pieces by esteemed choreographers, the show celebrates the breadth of contemporary movement and the versatility of FBP's dancers. The program will enthrall audiences with works by a collection of accomplished choreographers including Mary Ellen Beaudreau, Artistic Director Mihailo "Misha" Djuric, Ilya Kozadayev, Viktor Plotnikov, Vilia Putrius.

Former Houston Ballet soloist Ilya Kozadayev returns to Up Close On Hope with his ballet Symbiosis, a gripping ballet set to Arvo Pärt's "Fratres." The work features eight dancers in an abstract investigation of nature¹s most unlikely partnerships. Kozadayev has created several narrative ballets for the Company in past seasons (Romeo & Juliet, Hansel & Gretel), as well as other abstract pieces like Symbiosis. He has received high praise from Providence audiences and critics alike for his distinctly smooth contemporary style.

Mary Ellen Beaudreau, alumna of the FBP School, returns to the Providence studios to create a world premiere for this program. Swimmers Suite, an uplifting and explorative ensemble piece for eighteen dancers. The work is inspired by her late grandmother, whose ³outlook was always positive despite living in a time sandwiched between two wars,² Beaudreau said. Since her graduation from the FBP School in 2004, Beaudreau has earned a B.F.A. in Dance from The Julliard School and a Master¹s Degree from the Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. She has gone on to dance and choreograph for companies and institutions around the globe.

"Much of my choreography is developed from the creative input of the artists I work with every voice and body in the room is important to building a new piece," Beaudreau said, adding, "It is wonderful to see where Misha¹s vision for the company has grown. I am enjoying every minute."

Former leading dancer Vilia Putrius is also returning to choreograph following her retirement from the Company in May 2017. During her time with FBP, more than ten years, Putrius created several pieces for the Company and for students of the FBP School. Her new work, Seven Sides of You, once again will showcase her distinguished artistry and unique vision.

On the cusp of his twentieth season as visionary leader of the Company, Artistic Director Mihailo Djuric's beloved Magnificat will be presented in the Black Box Theater the first time. This vibrant and energetic ensemble piece, one of the oldest works in FBP's repertoire, is set to J.S. Bach¹s joyful canata, playing off historic references to significant visual artworks. Comprised of ten diverse movements, Magnificat offers a blend of modern styles inspired by Balkan folk dancing. This dynamic piece is a moving manifestation of FBP's lively 40th Anniversary Season.

Up Close on Hope runs Friday-Sunday for two weekends: Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 17-19, 2017. Tickets can be purchased online at festivalballetprovidence.org or by phone at 401-353-1129.

Pictured: Bryce Mitchell, Eugenia Zinovieva, Kirsten Evans, Jordan Nelson. Photo by Zaire Kacz Photography.