Over the years BalletX has gained something of a reputation for our capacity to work at a high gear. And as summer begins its transition into fall, the company has continued to create and perform at an impressive level. Since being unexpectedly sidelined with a minor injury about a month ago, I’ve had the singular pleasure of watching my peers work from the point of view of an audience member, something I’ve rarely experienced in my 9 years with BalletX. And I must say, as a result I’ve only gained a deeper appreciation for the dedication and artistry required to execute the kind of work for which we’ve become known. It speaks volumes to the resilience of dancers when even a worldwide pandemic can’t diminish their willingness to hone their craft.
In the last week I’ve been privileged to travel with the company on a tour to Southern California, where they performed two shows: one at Pepperdine University in Malibu, and another at the prestigious Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Both shows featured an array of works from various choreographers including Nicolo Fonte, Cayetano Soto, and of course, our own Matthew Neenan. The pieces selected offered a wide variety of style and nuance, and gave the West Coast audience a glimpse into the wide range the company prides itself on. It’s been several years since BalletX has performed in California, and in fact the company’s roster has changed a great deal since then. Being a veteran member, it was fascinating to watch how the newer dancers were able to breathe new life into their roles, while being bolstered by the veterans who have matured so beautifully into their artistry.
A veteran dancer whose trip was particularly meaningful is Andrea Yorita, a Southern California native. In many ways she came full circle on this tour, as the last time she stepped foot on the Segerstrom stage was as a child, performing in ABT’s West Coast production of Cinderella. In last week’s return she was anything but a rookie, commanding the space with the aplomb of a seasoned veteran and beaming with pride in having performed for so many family members and friends in the seats.
On the whole, the company danced splendidly, and it was delightful to sit in the seats and hear the excited chatter of the audience post-show, who clearly were impressed with what they saw. It’s always exciting to dance for new audiences, and this crowd in particular was obviously starved for live dance after such a long hiatus.
After returning home to Philadelphia and a well deserved day off, the company is back at it, preparing for two sold-out shows this week at the famed Fall for Dance Festival held at New York City Center. They will be part of a mixed bill program, presenting Matthew Neenan’s Mapping Out A Sky, which had its premiere earlier this year at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts here in Philadelphia. Set to the whimsical music of Stephen Sondheim, it’s sure to enchant New York audiences, and as a peer and admirer, I also look forward to being enchanted along with them!
-Zachary Kapeluck
While out on injury, BalletX dancer Zachary Kapeluck will be writing a weekly blog where you’ll get insight into company life, tours, and more. Stay tuned for more posts through November 17!
