Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/114013
Sarasota News Leader March 8, 2013 One note: The stunning opening section of I Napoletani was set in an opera house in Naples, and though ballet has its roots in Italian history, I could not make the connection between a group of dancers in overblown white feathers rolling around the stage as if in a nightmare version of Swan Lake with the rest of the ballet set in a café. Page 90 for the company to reprise this ballet and give the new members an opportunity to become more familiar with the classic academic requirements of Ashton's choreography. One last caveat: There are still too many frozen smiles — hopefully, they were not meant as a comment about Sir Frederick Ashton's ballets. % The pursuit of love was a theme shared by all the ballets in the evening's program. Les Rendezvous, one of Sir Frederick Ashton's early and light-hearted ballets, explored that theme in a series of vignettes — flirtations, meetings and fleeting relationships — that offered an opportunity for technical brilliance in intricately choreographed solos, pas de trois, pas de deux and small groups. Ricardo Rhodes, who danced as if he were enjoying himself, wowed the audience in his high split jumps. Kate Honea was credible in the lead, but abstract lyrical roles do not suit her as well as when she has a chance to create a character. The faux tango danced in unison by the six men was fast and brought life to the ballet. Since The Sarasota Ballet is now known in the United States for having the most Ashton ballets in its repertory, it was not surprising Miquel Piquer and Victoria Hulland are The Man She Must Marry and Caroline in the 2008 production of Lilac Garden. Photo by Frank Atura Italy is the backdrop for I Napoletani. Photo by Frank Atura