“These nymphs I would perpetuate.
So clear
Their light carnation, that it floats in the air
Heavy with tufted slumbers.
Was it a dream I loved?”

Mila Iskrenova chooses The Afternoon of a Faun – both a masterpiece of French Literary Symbolism and of Impressionism in music – for her choreographic journey of the same name into the beauty of contemporary dance. Her stage interpretation of Mallarme’s poem and Debussy’s prelude is inspired by the dance legend Vaslav Nijinsky, often described as “possessed by demons” by his contemporaries. Embarking from such an exciting but also demanding artistic legacy, Mila Iskrenova alludes to the innovative principles, concealed in Nijinsky choreography, like the elaboration of ancient paintings and sculptures, which are figurative and poetic.

In her interpretation, the parts of the Faun and the six Nymphs are performed by twelve dancers from Arabesque Ballet Dance Company. Their movements strive for a maximum authenticity to the Ancient frescos and forms concept of Nijinsky. The music of the performance includes Debussy’s prelude, together with his compositions for Syrinx solo flute. To further challenge the senses of the performers and the audience by adding rhythm and melody, the original text of Mallarme can be heard on stage.

Mila Iskrenova is a choreographer, dancer and painter. She is a guest instructor at the Krustyo Sarafov National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts, the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Music Academy, and the Accademia Filarmonica di Messina (Italy). She is also head choreographer of Arabesque Contemporary Dance Company. Mila Iskrenova is a choreographer, dancer and painter. She graduated from the National School of Dance Art and specialized at the International Summer Academy of Dance in Cologne, in the Palucca School – Dresden as well as in the Laban Dance Centre, London. She is a guest instructor at the Krustyo Sarafov National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts, the Prof. Pancho Vladigerov National Music Academy, and the Accademia Filarmonica di Messina (Italy). She is also head choreographer of Arabesque Contemporary Dance Company. Mila Iskrenova is an author of more than 50 screenplays and choreographies for TV productions and full-scale stage performances.