Ballet Hispanico masters all the right moves

Cassi Abranches' "Traca (Braid)" was a gorgeous celebration of Brazilian dance and music. Pictured here are Mia Bermudez, Amir Baldwin and Arianna Carson. (Photo by Jamie Kraus)

Drop what you are doing tonight and head over to Jacob’s Pillow for the summer’s most dazzling showcase -- Ballet Hispanico New York.

Its dozen finely honed dancers are presenting a program of female choreographers that simmers and then sizzles in a 90-minute showcase that includes a salute to flamenco, a sentimental portrait of human relations and a rousing celebration of all things Brazilian.

Led by Eduardo Vilaro, this company seems capable of every style – fine balletic petit pointe work to the flying and fighting stances of capoeira. And they did it with precision and confidence that energized the rowdy patrons in Ted Shawn Theatre.

The evening opened with a Pillow co-commission from 2016, elegant “Linea Recta” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. In it, she gathered flamenco’s props such as the frilled skirts and lacy fans and mannerisms to shape the artform into a living sculpture. In bold, arrogant stance, the slice of the arm or leg seared into the mind’s eye. She also toyed with what the profile of the dance could do if unleashed together or in pairs and trios.

The lines were stunning. And in the end, the dance’s legacy, pushed along by the flamenco sound of Eric Vaarzon Morel, was truly elevated.

“Otra Vez, Otra Vez, Otra Vez,” choreographed by Stephanie Martinez, depicted a community where the sun rises and sets on friends, lovers and loners. While some of the instrumental music she selected for the congregation was lovely, the encroaching gravelly vocals were annoying, tearing down some of the pensive allure.

Still, the look of the piece was gorgeous. The set and lighting design by Julie Ballard gave the piece a dreamy look – as if the audience were voyeurs for intimate encounters or bystanders to the world at-large. The women – in silky skirts designed by Holly Hynes – floated like feathers in and around their insistent, strong partners. Martinez beautifully crafted this work, ensuring it soon won’t be forgotten.

Finally, the evening’s favorite was Cassi Abranches’ “Tranca (Braid).” To music by Beto Villares, this piece was a full-out carnival – a parade of pulsating dancers who stepped and sambaed to the unrelenting beat.

They started out slow with their chests pumping and from there it grew into a cauldron of electrifying dances that vibrated. Coming and going, the dancers kept all eyes busy and minds in awe of the heart-throbbing thrill.
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Special mention goes out to Thierry Blannchard who stood out in all three dances.

Bravo, Ballet Hispanico.