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Nature's way

Dance

Arabian nights

Because Aliev's choreography is so athletic and acrobatic, it keeps the dancers stretching even more than usual during pauses in rehearsal: leg extensions into splits, a wide turn-out of knees while sitting or lying on the floor. It all comes into play, as Vilia Putrius (as Nurida) takes her turn in a duet with Bauzys, at one point holding onto her toe behind her head with her free leg bent parallel to the first — a human pretzel carried by Bauzys.

Eastern-style gestures of flat palms and angled elbows, air-punching arms, and twisting torsos enliven the large chorus of dancers who surround the principals in many scenes. Despite the non-stop leap-ing, twirling, balancing, and lifting, there's a strong emotional element in this ballet. It's not as much mimed as projected through the urgent pace and demands of the dance itself. Persian-influenced costumes and set (even a magic carpet!) will further entrance audiences and make this a memorable winter evening.

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