BalletX reflects on its top performances from the last ten years, leaving the audience eager for more.

BalletX commenced a significant milestone in its history with the opening of its two-part 20th anniversary celebration at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. The inaugural performance, held on a Wednesday evening, offered attendees a glimpse into the evolution of the company, which has garnered recognition for its innovative choreography and commitment to contemporary ballet.

BalletX was founded in 2006, with co-founder Matthew Neenan presenting his piece “Frequencies,” set to the music of the band Jump Little Children. This choreography, originally performed by Neenan alongside artistic director Christine Cox and associate artistic director Tara Keating, showcased the company’s early aesthetic characterized by clean lines and harmonious musical accompaniment.

The evening’s program began with a revival of “Frequencies,” which is marked by a blend of pedestrian movements and soft, flowing patterns executed by a cast clad in simple costumes adorned with angel wings. This piece is emblematic of Neenan’s early style, focusing on fluid movements and balance.

As the performance progressed, three of Neenan’s works were featured, including the 2007 piece “Die Menschheit,” accompanied by Mozart’s renowned compositions. Another highlight was the 2014 full-length work “Sunset, o639 Hours,” a pivotal moment for both Neenan and BalletX. Accompanied by original compositions from Rosie Langabeer and Andrew Mars, this piece combines diverse dance styles with a compelling narrative and vibrant costumes.

Among the remarkable pieces presented, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s “Still@Life” stood out, having first appeared with BalletX in 2008. This captivating ballet, set to Bach’s music, explored themes inspired by still-life paintings, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

Nicolo Fonte’s 2013 piece “Beautiful Decay” also made an impact during the performance. Originally featuring an older dancer in tandem with the younger ensemble, it reflected on the beauty of aging. In this iteration, however, only BalletX’s company dancers were featured, yet the aesthetics of the work remained poignant.

Throughout its two decades, BalletX has played a pivotal role in nurturing the careers of numerous choreographers, including Jorma Elo and Jodie Gates. The company’s dedication to promoting innovative creations often limits its revival of past works, sparking discussion about the potential merits of re-examining and refining earlier pieces.

The performance included several transitions between different works, alongside video presentations offering reflections on BalletX’s journey. Though many dancers have not performed the highlighted historical pieces, the retrospective showcases the depth of the company’s artistic range.

BalletX’s 20th anniversary retrospective, titled “Program A: The First Decade,” runs until November 2, followed by “Program B: The Second Decade” from November 5 to 9 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Ticket prices range from to , with further details available through the box office. Media News Source provides this overview of BalletX’s significant milestone as the company continues to advance the art of contemporary ballet.