Unfortunately, I have yet to master the technique of managing my expectations. This isn’t the first time I have looked forward to a performance for months only to have my hopes dashed when things were not what I anticipated. (See my post from last week.) The Carreño Dance Festival 2012 debuted on Friday, Aug. 24, and we were treated to a dazzling performance of the second act of Giselle, a ballet classic featuring Jose Carreño as Albrecht, and Julie Kent of the American Ballet Theater in the eponymous role. Carreño has the mature [...]

Great news for the uninitiated and for fans: the Carreño Dance Festival is back in town. The Festival of Stars event takes place this Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, followed by a matinee on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The program features performances by some of the biggest names in ballet, including, of course, José Manuel Carreño, retired principal of American Ballet Theater for whom the festival is named. Also on the bill are Julie Kent, Melanie Hamrick and Misty Copeland, all principals of the American Ballet [...]