The Sarasota Ballet's Program Six, Portraits of Expression, graces the stage of the Sarasota Opera House with a captivating lineup featuring Balanchine’s Emeralds and Who Cares?, alongside MacMillan’s Las Hermanas on April 5th and 6th. George Balanchine’s Emeralds opens the performances, the enchanting first ballet of his celebrated three-act masterpiece, Jewels. This ballet evokes whispers of French perfume as graceful clouds of tulle swirl around dancers clad in Romantic-length tutus.

Following this exquisite display, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s intense psychological drama, Las Hermanas, takes center stage, offering a stark departure from the opulence of the preceding work. With its profound musicality and intricate structure, Las Hermanas, based on Federico García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba, explores themes of sensuality amidst harsh repression, delving into the emotional and violent aftermath that ensues.

The anticipation builds as The Sarasota Ballet's Program Six, aptly titled Portraits of Expression, prepares to grace the Sarasota Opera House stage with its truly enthralling lineup. Scheduled for April 5th and 6th, this exceptional program promises to be an unforgettable journey into the world of ballet, featuring an impressive trifecta of masterpieces: Balanchine’s Emeralds and Who Cares?, alongside MacMillan’s haunting work, Las Hermanas.

The evening commences with the captivating ballet George Balanchine’s Emeralds, which serves as a mesmerizing prelude to his acclaimed three-act opus, Jewels. This ethereal performance transports the audience to a realm of delicate beauty, evoking the subtle essence of French perfume as dancers adorned in the iconic Romantic-length tutus elegantly traverse the stage amidst billowing clouds of tulle. This piece's sheer grace and sophistication set the tone for the evening, captivating the senses and drawing viewers into a world of pure enchantment.

Following this enchanting display, the stage undergoes a dramatic transformation to accommodate Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s gripping psychological drama, Las Hermanas. A stark departure from the opulence of the preceding work, Las Hermanas delves deep into themes of sensuality and repression, inspired by Federico García Lorca’s renowned play, The House of Bernarda Alba. Through its intricate narrative and emotional intensity, this piece unravels a profound human struggle, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness its power.

As a poignant counterbalance to the weightiness of Las Hermanas, the brilliance of George Balanchine and George Gershwin takes center stage once more with Who Cares?, bringing Program Six to a triumphant conclusion. This vibrant piece invites audiences on a jubilant journey through a series of captivating solos, duets, quartets, and ensemble performances, all choreographed to the infectious rhythms of Gershwin's timeless classics. With its seamless blend of elegance and exuberance, Who Cares? promises a truly unforgettable finale, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of experiencing this extraordinary evening of ballet.