The Best Thing You Can Do Today: Appalachian Spring and more at Sarasota Ballet

Yesterday we told you about two great dance events in St. Pete. Now it’s Sarasota’s turn.

You may have already heard about Sarasota Ballet’s outsized reputation in the dance world; no less than the cranky New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay is a huge fan, heaping praises on the company for their performances at home and in NYC. And  “Iconographic” — the kickoff to the company’s 2018-19 “Season of Tributes”  — seems an excellent vehicle to show off the dancers’ characteristic lyricism and theatricality.

The three ballets in the program include a classical repertory mainstay, the Spanish-inflected grand pas from Paquita; a contemporary ballet, Symphony of Sorrows,  choreographed by Sarasota principal dancer Ricardo Graziano; and Appalachian Spring, the much-beloved dance theater work by the legendary Martha Graham choreographed to the soaring, evocative music of Aaron Copland — all of which adds up to three great reasons to head south today.

Sun., Oct. 28, 2 & 7:30 p.m., FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-359-0099, sarasotaballet.org. Tickets $35 and up.