On Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT, Philadelphia’s leading contemporary ballet company BalletX will make its debut appearance at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. Founded in 2005 by Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan, Artistic and Executive Director Christine Cox now leads the company. Cox’s tenure as Artistic & Executive Director has produced over 100 world premiere ballets by over 60 choreographers. Commissioning works from choreographers around the world, the New York Times has named this innovative company’s dancers as “some of America’s best.” Tickets are now on sale at scfta.org.
Now in its 16th season BalletX has performed at numerous prestigious venues that include The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., The Joyce Theater in New York City, and Jacob’s Pillow, the world renown annual summer dance festival created by modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn in 1931. BalletX has performed nationally and internationally including free Pop-Ups across the Philadelphia region, and extensive touring to such prestigious venues as Vail Dance Festival, Ballet Sun Valley, New York City Center, Laguna Dance Festival, Bermuda Festival, Belgrade Festival and many more.
“We’re truly honored to be invited to perform in Costa Mesa! Segerstrom Hall is a stunning, world-class venue and we couldn’t have asked for a better stage to showcase our dancers and exciting repertory. We hope the audience falls in love with BalletX and finds our work thought-provoking and inspiring.” Said Christine Cox.
BalletX – Irvine native Andrea Yorita (center) with fellow BalletX dancers in “Increasing” (2014) by Matthew Neenan – Photo by Bill Herbert
The program that BalletX is presenting at The Segerstrom Center includes Increasing (2014) choregraphed by Mathew Neenan to music of Franz Schubert; Napoleon/Napoleon (2018) choreographed by Cayetano Soto to music by Aram Khachaturian, Vivaldi, Shostakovich, Antonio Machín, & Chavela Vargas; and Steep Drop, Euphoric (2019) choreographed by Nicolo Fonte to music by Ezio Bosso, Ólafur Arnalds.
“About the repertoire, The New York Times said of “Increasing” “…vulnerable, openhearted and, above all, marvelously free … shows each of [the BalletX dancers] as emotional, both private and social; their unfolding world is carried along by the music’s changing current.” The Dance Journal said of “Napoleon/Napoleon,” “High concept farce … ‘Napoleon/Napoleon’ is a blow-out parade of egomaniacal childishness. All hail the Emperor!” Of “Sleep Drop Euphoric,” Thinking Dance said, “Gleefully challenging and technically challenging … This is what dance can be, Fonte seems to be saying, and isn’t it glorious?” and the Philly Gay Calendar said, “Sleep, Drop, Euphoric’ is a beautiful work which must be seen”.” The Segerstrom Center press release.
BalletX – (l-r) Skyler Lubin and Blake Krapelsin the 2018 world premiere of Cayetano Soto’s “Napoleon/Napoleon” at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia – Photo by Vikki Sloviter
BalletX is the second of three innovative North American dance companies to be presented at The Segerstrom this fall. The first was Alonzo King LINES which performed to critical acclaim on September 11, 2021 and on November 20 one of the world’s leading modern/contemporary dance companies New York based Parsons Dance Company will also make its debut at The Segerstrom Center.
“Each of these companies was chosen to open our season because of the quality of the dancers and the unique style of the choreographers. Nothing can compare to the excitement of live dance. The choreography is imaginative, and each company has its own unique style. Dance is the perfect way to open our season back at Segerstrom Hall stage. This is an experience you do not want to miss!” shares Judy Morr, Executive Vice President.
BalletX – (l-r): Skyler Lubin (lifted), Zachary Kapeluck, former Company dancer Stanely Glover and Andrea Yorita in Nicolo Fonte’s “Steep Drop, Euphoric” – Photo by Vikki Sloviter
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WHAT: BalletX
WHEN: Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 7:30 pm PT
WHERE: The Segerstrom Center for the Arts located at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
TICKETS: Single tickets for BalletX at Segerstrom Center for the Arts start at $39 and are now available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The Box Office is open Monday 10am – 2pm; Tuesday through Friday Noon- 5pm, and Closed Saturday’s and Sundays.
Audience Advisory: Our updated COVID-19 policy requires ticket holders to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to attend all indoor performances and events at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. “Fully vaccinated” means your performance is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose. To enter the theatre, please bring proof of vaccination, either your physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record. Most California residents may request a digital vaccination record at myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
Those who are under age 12 and anyone without proof of being fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours (3 days) prior to entering the theatre.
Masks are required at all times for all patrons and visitors regardless of vaccination status in all indoor spaces at Segerstrom Center.
Performance ticket holders who do not comply with these policies will not be admitted.
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To visit the BalletX website, click HERE.
For more information about the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, click HERE.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: BalletX – Irvine native Andrea Yorita (center) with fellow BalletX dancers in “Increasing” (2014) by Matthew Neenan – Photo by Bill Herbert
