By Yahuda Rotenberg, dance critic, researcher of modern dance and choreography

Evgenia Erofeeva is a London-based dancer and choreographer who is gaining popularity in the UK and around the world with her duo dance works. Her style is a fusion of contemporary, ballet, and folk dance, influenced by her training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. She creates expressive and dynamic dances that explore themes such as identity, culture, and human relationships.

One of her most acclaimed works is “Two Worlds”, a duet that she performs with her partner and collaborator, Riccardo Fruttaldo. The piece is inspired by their personal experiences of living and working in different countries, and the challenges and joys of cross-cultural communication. The dance is a dialogue between two bodies, two languages, and two perspectives, that reveals the similarities and differences between them. The movement vocabulary is rich and varied, ranging from fluid and lyrical to sharp and rhythmic, reflecting the nuances and emotions of their conversation. The dancers use gestures, facial expressions, and vocal sounds to communicate with each other and the audience, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. The music, composed by famous composers, is a blend of electronic and acoustic sounds, with elements of Slavic and British folk tunes. The costumes, designed by Erofeeva, are simple and elegant, with contrasting colours and patterns that highlight the individuality and complementarity of the dancers.

Some of the UK festivals and venues where Evgenia Erofeeva and Riccardo Fruttaldo have showcased their dance works are London, Bournemouth, Brentwood, Blackpool, Leatherhead, Grays, Camberley, Tilbury, Epsom, Stoke-on-Trent, Horsham, Birmingham, Chessington, Lingfield, Gillingham, Felbridge, Southampton, Copthorne.

It has also toured internationally, receiving positive reviews and awards in countries such as France, Italy, Greece, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea. The critics have praised the originality, creativity, and quality of the choreography, as well as the skill, charisma, and chemistry of the performers. Some of the comments include:

“A stunning and captivating duet that celebrates diversity and harmony in dance and life.” (John W.)

“A masterful and moving choreography that showcases the talent and versatility of Erofeeva and Fruttaldo.” (Lily Jackson)

“A beautiful and powerful dance that speaks to the heart and the mind of the audience.” (Dance Magazine, Taiwan)

Erofeeva’s duet dance works are examples of how contemporary choreography can be a means of artistic expression, cultural exchange, and social engagement. She demonstrates how dance can transcend boundaries and create bridges between people of different backgrounds and experiences. She also challenges the stereotypes and expectations of dance genres and traditions, by creating her own unique and innovative language of movement. There is no doubt that Erofeeva is a true star of the dance world and a choreographer to watch out for in the future.