Ballet X performs "Once Again" at Swarthmore
Ballet X’s piece “Once Again” was developed at Swarthmore during the summer, during the groups 2 week residency on campus. “Once Again” is an opening piece, designed to prepare the audience for a longer show. “I didn’t try to do anything too deep or emotional,” said Neenan.
“I wanted to do something light and fun to open the evening,” he said. The piece was set to music from Beatles Baroque, an album by Les Boreades.
“Once Again” showcased the dancers’ athleticism and classical technique while incorporating unusual lifts and modern arm and hand movements.
Choreographer Matthew Neenan creates gestures inspired by everyday occurrences. “I like to use humanity, things we do everyday sometimes,” he said. Neenan is also inspired by the famous Russian ballet choreographer George Balanchine.
Jon Sherman, a ballet teacher at Swarthmore, asked Neenan about Ballet X’s future plans. “We want to do something a little more raw and experimental,” Neenan said.
Choreographer Christine Cox plans to hold a panel at Swarthmore discussing the role of female choreographers in ballet, particularly focusing on why there are so few women in the field.
Ballet X was recently named the resident company of the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia; their first season was November 1-4.
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