This is not so much a review as a call to action for future performances. What a treat to have dance of this caliber so close to home. Smuin Ballet’s spring program, garnering rave reviews from just about everyone, was a delightful surprise even with the tagline Bold. Sexy. Different. The choreography was sensual and elegant in the program’s three dances, Songs of Mahler, Petite Mort, and French Twist.  Even with two dancers injured just before the Walnut Creek performance at the Lesher Center, leaving only one day for dancers to learn new parts, the show was flawless. The innovative sequences featured creative costumes (ball-gown forms on rollers, street clothes) and high energy. The geometry in the choreography, use of light and color and elements of the traditional and the contemporary added to the theatrical feel of the production.  If you missed it, run, don’t walk, to get tickets to the Fall and Holiday programs when they go on sale.
Dubbed “Extreme Ballet,” the 2010/2011 Season looks intriguing. Performances begin in San Francisco October 1-9. The Holiday program comes to Walnut Creek November 26 & 27. Visit the website to see all performance dates in San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Mountain View and Carmel. www.lesherartscenter.org;  www.smuinballet.org.