INTERVIEW: BalletNext finds next generation of ballet dancers
Photo: BalletNext presents its 2019 season with dancers from the University of Utah School of Dance. Photo courtesy of BalletNext / Provided by Michelle Tabnick PR with permission.
BalletNext, under the direction of choreographer Michele Wiles, will bring some of the most promising ballet dancers to New York City for a special showcase at New York Live Arts. The Feb. 19-23 run of shows is the company’s official 2019 season, and Wiles is hand-picking the performers from the University of Utah’s ballet program.
The dancers will bring to life two works by Wiles and two works by Mauro Bigonzetti. The performances will be accompanied by live music, including a world-premiere score by jazz trumpeter Tom Harrell and concert pianist Vedrana Subotic.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Wiles, who founded BalletNext in 2011. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can audiences expect at the upcoming performances at New York Live Arts?
Audiences can expect great dancing and legendary musicians partnering together to create a unique evening. They can also expect stars from New York City Ballet and eight hand-picked dancers from the prestigious University of Utah School of Dance.
What qualities are you looking for amongst the dancers coming out of the University of Utah School of Dance?
The qualities I look for are a high-level technique, intelligence and passion. BalletNext provides them with a platform for an intense professional experience.
Why is it important to have live music at these performances?
Live music adds another dimension to the overall feel of the performance. It inspires the dancers to move with breath, and you can not replicate the dynamism with two live components interplaying on stage. No two performances are ever the same.
What’s it like to work with choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti?
Working with Bigonzetti is the best combination of physicality, energy and creativity. Mauro created two ballets for us, La Follia in 2011 and Bachground in 2012, and I’m excited we will be performing them again this season. Dancers are challenged to fuse grounded, rounded modernism with high-level ballet technique.
Have you achieved the original dreams you had when you founded BalletNext in 2011?
I set out to build a platform for top dancers, musicians and new choreography — a place where process and risk taking are encouraged. I’m pleased to say that has been achieved and so much more. This year I’m very pleased to be partnering with the University of Utah School of Dance, expanding the platform and creating a great opportunity for these rising stars.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
BalletNext, under the direction of Michele Wiles, presents its 2019 season Feb. 19-23 at New York Live Arts in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
