At Sarasota's Ringling International Arts Festival

Ringling International Arts Festival

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I swooned when Mikhail Baryshnikov blew me a kiss. It happened following his recent remarkable dance performance—Solos with Mikhail Baryshnikov & David Neumann—at the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF). The Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) partnered with the Ringling for the second year in a row to bring the festival to life. We’re so fortunate that this iconic artiste has a soft spot for Sarasota! After attending the stellar inaugural festival last year, I just knew I had to return. No ifs, ands or buts. The program, which is a mix of contemporary music, dance and theater, is unlike anything I’ve seen before.

For example, Les Slovaks Dance Collective was intensely physical yet poetic. With strains of folk music from their native land emanating from a violinist who shared the stage, the brotherhood of five gracefully showcased their version of poetry in motion—dance moves with a street-fighter edge coupled with acrobatic tumbles and entangled bodies. Later, I found out that it was all off the cuff. How amazing! The urban edge of Montreal's Rubberbandance Group’s Loan Sharking was totally evocative. Non-stop street cool hip-hop disjointed choreography took over. The darkly lit stage enhanced the raw emotion of the darkly attired dance troop of seven men and women.

 As for Baryshnikov, he was striking throughout the hour-long plus performance. His stage presence, which is larger than life, was full on when he removed a black jacket to reveal white slacks and a shirt. He proceeded to move into classical ballet mode. Stunning! But perhaps the most enthralling point of the performance was watching a black and white film clip of a much younger Baryshnikov with the present day man dancing along. It was a poignant conclusion that deserved (and received) rousing applause.

Between performances, I found myself sipping champagne as I strolled the gorgeous grounds of The John & Mabel Ringling Museum of Art, passing Mabel’s well-tended rose garden and happy cherub statues guarding the path. Arriving at the Ca’ d’Zan bay front to listen to a jazz ensemble at sunset, it was obvious that this was the place to be. Later, walking back towards the intimate Mertz Theater where Baryshnikov danced, he passed me and blew a kiss. “Your performance was exquisite,” I said, smiling as I walked away.

Mark your calendars now for 2011 when the festival will run October 11-16.

Tags: arts and culture | Cà d'Zan Mansion | Ringling Estate | Ringling International Arts Festival | Sarasota