PROGRAM IV

SPRING GALA

Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida closes its 2025-2026 season with its highly anticipated Spring Gala, a performance that celebrates the company’s versatility, artistry, and excellence through a curated selection of works.

The evening opens with Danzón, choreographed by Yanis Pikieris to the rhythmic and romantic music of Arturo Márquez. A brilliant neoclassical piece full of energy and elegance, it remains a favorite with audiences.

Next, La Traviata Pas de Deux, choreographed by Vladimir Issaev, brings Verdi’s opera to the ballet stage in a moving and elegant duet, highlighting the expressive beauty of classical technique.

Issaev’s powerful Shostakovich Suites follows, offering a dynamic interpretation of the composer’s bold and emotionally complex music, reflecting the spirit of resilience amid adversity.

A special feature of the program is Tarde en la Siesta, a lyrical ballet by renowned Cuban choreographer Alberto Méndez. Originally presented at the Metropolitan Opera House and in London, this poetic work is being restaged by Méndez in collaboration with Issaev, bringing a piece of Cuban ballet history to South Florida audiences once again.

The evening concludes with the U.S. premiere of Polovtsian Dances, choreographed by Vladimir Issaev to Alexander Borodin’s epic score from Prince Igor. This large-scale production features a company of 32 dancers, evoking the fierce and passionate tribal dances of the Polovtsians in a stunning display of music and movement.

The presentation of Polovtsian Dances is generously underwritten by Funding Arts Broward (FAB!) and Funding Arts Network (FAN), whose support has made this spectacular finale possible.

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