BalletNEXT’s ‘Giselle’ raises the barre with spooky remix

Giselle by BalletNEXT. Photo: TownLift // Randi Sidman-Moore

PARK CITY, Utah — BalletNEXT showcased an innovative adaptation of “Giselle” and introduced new ballet works to audiences at the Jim Santy Auditorium on Oct. 23 and 24. The performances, each featuring a different program, aimed to both celebrate classical ballet and push creative boundaries.

The Oct. 23 adaptation of “Giselle” added a Halloween twist to the traditional story of love and betrayal. BalletNEXT’s rendition included narration and a unique musical score mixing classical elements with contemporary Halloween tunes. Audience members were encouraged to dress in costume. “The evening is an invitation for our community to experience ballet in a fresh, immersive way,” said James McCullough, chairman of BalletNEXT.

On Oct. 24, BalletNEXT premiered “The Loop,” a work created by choreographer Brian Reeder during his spring residency in Park City.

McCullough emphasized BalletNEXT’s local ties, explaining that the company’s move from New York to Park City four years ago allowed for deeper community engagement. “This is very much a community effort here in Park City,” he said, highlighting the company’s partnerships and performances that include local children and collaborations with the public library. He noted that his wife, Michele Wiles, “… wanted to create a company where she could exercise more creativity outside of strictly the classical ballet.”