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AUDIENCE REVIEW: Ballet X and their Riveting Blends of Classical and Contemporary Techniques

Company:
Ballet X

Performance Date:
September 20, 2024

Freeform Review:

Ballet X’s performance at the Joyce showcased the company’s dynamic range and undeniable commitment to innovative, captivating, and challenging contemporary ballet. With works by talented choreographers Jodie Gates, Takehiro Ueyama, and Loughlan Prior, the program highlights the company’s dedication to technical precision and artistic versatility, ultimately creating smooth and authentic shifts between each thematic work. As I sit incredibly close to the stage, potentially the closest I’ve ever observed a performance, I couldn’t help but be enthralled by the detailed technicality of the artists. In just the second row, I have x-ray vision. Even so, visible discrepancies, lack of passion, and inconsistencies were more difficult to spot than the smallest of dust molecules. Their beauty and passion radiated throughout the theater, lasting the entirety of the show and leaving an emphatically lasting impression on myself and others.  

Jodie Gates’ Beautiful Once opens the show with an exploration of what seems like human connection amidst chaos, featuring intricate choreography mirroring the controlled craze of city life. Featuring original music by Ryan Lott, it complements the choreography’s unique cohesion of contrasting dynamics. It perfectly embodies many facets of the relational aspects of the human experience, its organic partnering work and symmetrical movement patterns reflecting themes of unity, resilience, and self-expression complexly observed in the mundanity and fleeting nature of life. Opening the show on a jovial yet contemplative note, it excels in creating a captivating visual experience. From the simplicity of the costumes, the men dressed in gray sheer tops with gray pants and the women dressed in simple short gray ballet dresses, to the various blue tones of the lighting, each creative element complimented the other in executing a beautifully crafted vision. The balance of classical ballet vocabulary with contemporary dance components combined with its underlying theme of the beauty in life’s fleeting yet meaningful connections make it a visually and emotionally satisfying watch and a unique but fitting segway into the second piece, Takehiro Uyeama’s, Heroes.  

Heroes is a heartfelt homage to post-World War II resilience in Japan, integrating brilliant storytelling with great historical depth. The gender-neutral costumes emphasizing unity, while the choreography celebrates strength and perseverance. With stunning moments of synchronized movement and individual expressiveness, the dancers both emotionally and physically embody the weight and burden endured following the intensity of war. Although in that moment, I felt confused by the stark contrast between this piece and the first, upon deliberation I found significance in its placement as life is a route of many different roads and passages all leading toward death. The fleeting nature of the first piece followed by the persevering nature of Heroes showcase life’s great nuance unifying us all.  

Closing the night, Macaroni by Loughlan Prior delivers a playful yet profound commentary on societal extravagance, inspired by the flamboyant 18th-century Macaronis. The dancers wear vibrant neon costumes, adding a whimsical flair to this physically comedic and theatrically rich piece. It’s interesting the subtle ways both history and the essence of life play a role in this program, contributing toward its well receival and audience resonation. I for one, am impressed with the artists’ emotional range and commitment to the poignant themes of each piece. The program initially differed, with Macaroni being second and heroes closing the night. I’m happy they changed the order because it made for an exciting and hilarious way to end the night.  

Author:
Kristin Grace Robinson