BalletX reflects on its second decade, highlighting its pandemic challenges, unique performances, and significant growth.

On Wednesday night, BalletX returned to the Suzanne Roberts Theatre for the second consecutive week to further commemorate its 20th anniversary. This performance, following a prior program dedicated to the company’s first decade, showcased selections from eight ballets along with two short films, all representative of its second decade.

Over the past ten years, BalletX has experienced significant artistic and financial growth. The company has achieved the ability to employ high-caliber choreographers as well as provide dancers with 52-week contracts. This financial stability allows the dancers to focus solely on their craft without the pressure of seeking additional opportunities during the summer and off-weeks.

The improvements in the company’s performance quality were evident, establishing BalletX as a formidable presence among midsize contemporary ballet companies. However, there was a notable sentiment that the previous week’s retrospective of the company’s first decade included more memorable pieces that audiences may have been eager to revisit.

In reflecting on notable works from the company’s repertoire, it raised questions about the absence of ballets such as The Little Prince, Maslow’s Peak, and Scales on the Wings of a Butterfly. Artistic director Christine Cox opted to highlight as many choreographers as possible, which could explain the exclusion of certain works. For instance, choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa was already featured in the first decade’s celebration, while another work by Jennifer Archibald was performed this week.

The evening commenced with Trey McIntyre’s 2016 piece, Big Ones, which features dancers adorned with oversized bunny ears and set to music by Amy Winehouse. The work has maintained its appeal despite the smaller venue and remained impactful even with only four male dancers, a further testament to the piece’s inclusive aesthetic.

Additionally, the performance included songs by Caili Quan and Amy Hall Garner among others, showcasing a delightful duet, Fancy Me, and the uplifting New Heights, respectively. Garner’s work, originally created during the pandemic, transitioned BalletX into film to keep the dancers engaged and the audience entertained.

The program also featured Dwight Rhoden’s 2021 work, We the People, which resonated with themes of community and performers working in closer proximity, contrasting the earlier works created during more socially distanced performances. Following that piece was Jamar Roberts’ 2022 duet, Honey, further emphasizing the connections between dancers.

The performance concluded with a world premiere of Resilire by company rehearsal director Keelan Whitmore, which explored themes of community through dynamic choreography set to a blend of contemporary and classical music, performed live. Whitmore’s new work promises a bright future for the company as well as for his evolving choreography.

BalletX’s 20th anniversary retrospective, “Program B: The Second Decade,” runs through November 9 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, with tickets priced between and . For more details, interested audiences can contact the box office.

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