Mystic Ballet dances "Dynamic Directions"

As if this photo doesn't tell you all you need to know, Mystic Ballet's latest collections of works celebrates passion and love - just in time for Valentine's Day, naturally.

The show consists of the premiere of works by a respected collection of choreographers.

In Sergei Vanaev's "Lonesome Handsomes," three couples explore relationships. Vanaev also debuts the first act of his "Giselle," which gives a twist to the original tale, creating what Mystic Ballet is describing as an emotionally charged dance-drama.

Mystic Ballet takes on "Babel," too, a new work by Sidra Bell. Bell has created pieces, with her signature strong emotional content, for the likes of River North Chicago Dance Company, Ballet Divertimento (Montréal), Ballet Austin, and Ailey II.

And rounding out the program is "Primacy of Number" by Gregor Thieler and Xanthe Geeves.

After each performance, audience members can stay to hear Mystic Ballet artists, management and guests talk as part of the "Meet the Artists" Conversations and Q&A Series.

- Kristina Dorsey

Mystic Ballet's "Dynamic Directions" series, 2 p.m. this Saturday and Feb. 19, Mashantucket Museum Auditorium, Mashantucket Pequot Museum, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket; $15-$40; (860) 536-1470, mysticballet.org.