Sergei Polunin's Fraudulent Smile and Sacré at Florence Dance Festival

Ukrainian ballet dancer Sergei Polunin, known for his technical brilliance and controversial persona, performed two works—Fraudulent Smile and Sacré—at the Florence Dance Festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary under directors Marga Nativo and Keith Ferrone. Fraudulent Smile, choreographed by Ross Freddie Ray to music by Polish klezmer group Kroke, is a clownesque, puppet-like cabaret exploring why good men do bad things. The piece features nine dancers, including Polunin as a sorrowful rebel who ultimately succumbs to a malevolent figure played by Johan Kobborg. Sacré, a solo choreographed by Yuka Oishi to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, places Polunin in a circle of dry leaves, grappling with themes of genius and madness, referencing Nijinsky. Despite Polunin's formidable technique and expressive melancholy, both choreographies were criticized for lacking coherence and failing to fully utilize his talents. The performances took place in the Chiostro di Santa Maria Novella.