She was a lustful gypsy who worked in a cigarette factory and drove Don Jose crazy with her sexual wiles. Erotic, mesmerizing, and fiery: The National Ballet’s performance of Carmen will get blood rushing to your loins and have you fantasizing about intricate dance moves with your lover. Perhaps my mom summed it up best: “Wow. That was hot stuff.” It was.

Since 1875, this classic ballet has been capturing audiences with its expressive music composed by the great George Bizet. Hearing the first few notes of Habanera, one is immediately thrown into a fantasy with the end goal of absolute seduction. (Mine included naughty lingerie and a titillating dance from kitchen to bedroom.)

Heather Ogden and Guillaume Côté in Carmen. Photo by Bruce Zinger.

For a contemporary twist, The National Ballet incorporated soundscapes of heavy breathing, panting, and soft moans. Adding to the eroticism, an enormous video projection provided an abstract backdrop of bodies moving together. The modern installations complimented the classic orchestra music, appeasing audience members young and old.

Even the non romantic will easily fall for this passionate production that takes audiences on an exhilarating ride from adoration to rage.

Buy your tickets before they sell out!

Heather Ogden with Artists of the Ballet in Carmen. Photo by Bruce Zinger.