Results tagged “matthewneenan”

You know we love BalletX. But have you had a chance to experience it for yourself yet?

Most of us probably have that memory of the school field trip to see The Nutcracker. Our teachers sent notes home a few weeks in advance, asking our parents to make sure we dressed up. Then, the day of, we all got on the bus (single-file, of course!) and headed downtown, into the theatre, where one of two things likely happened: either we were bored or we were in awe.

I don't think that I'll ever get tired of BalletX. They are probably the most consistent performing arts group in Philadelphia, and even their older pieces, the ones that I've seen two or three times, deliver.

It's that time again! Time for us to tell you how much we love Ballet X, extol its virtues as a preeminent dance company, and urge you dear readers to check out the action for yourselves. Featuring some of the most technically competent performers in our fair city, Ballet X kicks off their Spring Series tomorrow night at the Wilma Theater with choreography from each of the Artistic Directors and also a work from Edwaard Liang.

I used to be a dancer. I even used to choreograph a little. And oh! how I loved to create pieces to confound the audience: straightforward stories told so abstractly that it would take an advanced degree in philosophy to understand what the dancers were doing on the stage. The audience could like it fine, love it even—they just wouldn't really know what was going on.

ballet: the dancers are on point, sure, but oftentimes, that's where the similarities end.

The Academy of Music, 8PM, $22-124. (Halloween party $25) This performance runs through November 3.

The final week of this year's DanceBOOM! at The Wilma Theater will feature a whole evening with an old favorite of Phillyist's: BalletX. We loved them last summer at DanceBOOM! and during last fall's PLAF, so we're really psyched to see their world premiere of "I Like You Different," choreographed by company founders Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan, along with fan favorites "Menscheit" and "Frequencies." If this weekend's production is anything at all like past BalletX performances we've seen, expect lots of impeccable ballet technique combined with a modern aesthetic and some really rockin' contemporary music.

Yesterday, Phillyist gave you a taste of the Philadelphia Live Arts and Philly Fringe Festivals. There's lots more to say about the Live Arts and Fringe, as they offer some of the most exciting arts events that you’ll see in Philly all year. The festivals are chock full of outrageous and insightful performances and happenings – even if you generally eschew live theatre, dance, and music, we guarantee you’ll find something you’ll love.