BalletX premieres ‘Maslow’s Peak’ at the Mann, showcasing new artistic heights in performance.

BalletX premiered its highly anticipated production of Jennifer Archibald’s Maslow’s Peak on Friday evening at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, marking an important opening for the venue’s season. The ballet, inspired by the themes and elements found in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, showcased the company’s evolution into a troupe capable of performing on significantly larger stages than its usual venue, the Suzanne Roberts Theater.

The Mann Center, accommodating an audience of approximately 13,000, including outdoor lawn seating, provided an expansive setting that amplified the company’s artistic expression. In preparation for this performance, BalletX dedicated 18 months to meticulously rehearse Maslow's Peak, all while continuing to engage in other projects. This dedication resulted in the involvement of a growing ensemble comprising 16 dancers, up from the previous year’s 14, many of whom were not previously trained in aerial work, which played a prominent role in the evening’s choreography.

The production took considerable artistic risks, featuring dancers utilizing a large rock for climbing and jumps, and performing on an airplane wing transformed into a slide. The choreography blended ballet with contemporary dance elements and showcased innovative movements, including fast-paced partnering and hip-hop influences such as backspins, cartwheels, and handsprings.

Archibald’s vision for Maslow's Peak extends beyond a literal retelling of Golding’s narrative, which follows British schoolboys marooned on a deserted island. Instead, the ballet explores deeper themes of fear, conflict, and coexistence amidst struggle, reinforcing the relevancy of these concepts in contemporary society.

Costume designer Emily Morgan reflected these themes through her designs, creating character outfits reminiscent of school uniforms, which become progressively worn and torn as the performance unfolds. Dancers appeared in functional attire, incorporating socks and kneepads that both enhanced movement and contributed to the aesthetic.

The stage design was equally remarkable, featuring a soundscape of nature and diverse musical elements crafted by Archibald. Key visual components included overhead ropes and props, forming a jungle-like atmosphere, designed by Guy de Lancey. Projections added an additional layer to the staging, with images that evolved throughout the performance, further enhancing the storytelling.

Although Maslow's Peak initially scheduled a limited run of two performances, its distinct quality and ambition suggest a potential future expansion. The ballet deserves further opportunities for wider audiences to appreciate its innovative approach and artistic depth. The remaining performance is slated for Saturday evening at the Mann Center, with ticket prices starting at .