BalletX Makes a Splash with Three World Premieres at Summer Series 2024 Through July 21 at the Wilma Theater

feature image of “Macaroni” by Vikki Sloviter for BalletX

BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, will return to the Wilma Theater for its highly-anticipated Summer Series 2024, held July 10-21 at the Wilma Theater. In an extended, 12-show run, BalletX will present three world premiere pieces from renowned choreographers, including:

• Amy Hall Garner, BalletX’s Toulmin Choreographer-in-Residence, will present the first of her three world premieres with BalletX. “Suite No. 46, Op. 1”, a Baroque-inspired work that marries the music of Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach with live performances by local musicians. 
• Loughlan Prior will present the world premiere of “Macaroni” to explore the 1772 Macaroni Scandal, intertwining camp humor with a provocative reflection on the satirical discrimination of the past, echoing modern queerphobic attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community;
• Stina Quagebeur will present a world premiere that explores the dynamic and ever-changing nature of relationships, shaped by the individuals involved and their environment.

“The Summer Series represents the new and now moments that many of our fans crave from BalletX,” stated Christine Cox, Artistic & Executive Director of BalletX. “Presenting three world premieres in one series showcases the beauty of contemporary ballet that pushes boundaries and expands audiences.”

Loughlan Prior will present the world premiere of “Macaroni” exploring the 1772 Macaroni Scandal. Award-winning Choreographer in Residence at Royal New Zealand Ballet, Prior’s “Macaroni” intertwines camp humor with a provocative reflection on the satirical discrimination of the past, echoing modern queerphobic attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community. This premiere not only entertains, but also educates audiences about the true origins of the patriotic anthem “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and its connections to gender-bending fashion.

“It’s fascinating how the famously patriotic anthem “Yankee Doodle” actually takes its satirical lyrics from the gender-bending style of the fabulously queer 18th-century Macaronies,” stated Choreographer Loughlan Prior. “I wanted to dig deep into this etymology, and the Macaroni Scandal of 1772, to create a piece which speaks to the past, while also embracing and celebrating modern camp culture. With an eclectic new soundtrack from Claire Cowan and inspiring designs by Emma Kingsbury, I’d like to think we are redefining Macaroni fashion and honoring this flamboyant chapter of queer history.”

Quagebeur, Associate Choreographer of English National Ballet whose work has been performed at Alvin Ailey, Sadler’s Wells, The Joyce Theater, and more will present a world premiere that explores the intricacy of relationships shaped by the individuals involved and their environment. This evocative work delves into the subjective nature of memory, highlighting how different perspectives and partial recollections attempt to reconstruct a cohesive reality. On the theater of the mind’s stage, facts are often hidden rather than discovered, with memories influenced by personal biases, interests, self-preservation, and even deception. The piece invites guests to reflect on the complexity of human relationships and the fluidity of our recollections, underscoring that there is no single, objective truth.

Her world premiere showcases the reality that our memory is a combination of part-truths, our own bias, our own interests, our desire for self-preservation, and even our lies. There is no single, objective truth,” stated Choreographer Stina Quagebeur. “Relationships are indeed complex, multifaceted, and ever-evolving. They cannot be neatly categorized into simple binaries or straightforward paths. The piece goes beyond the arguments and the words, it’s not about being right or wrong, happy or sad…it’s about being human and encompassing all those emotions.”

Amy Hall Garner, BalletX’s Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Choreographer-in-Residence, is an internationally renowned artist whose work has been commissioned by New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey, Hubbard Street Dance, Miami City Ballet, and Paul Taylor Dance Company, among others. Known for her remarkable ability to find surprising and novel movements in contemporary ballet, Amy’s choreography is joyful and deeply connects with audiences. BalletX is thrilled to deepen its relationship with her through this one-of-a-kind Toulmin residency program which is a testament to its commitment to both female choreographers and the creative process.

“‘Suite No. 46, Op. 1’ is inspired by the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. ‘Suite No. 46, Op. 1’ is a spirited nod to the marriage of music and movement. Representing both classical expression and contemporary communication, this Baroque-inspired work takes a journey evoking energy, ornamentation, and wonder, spoken through the foundational language of ballet,” said Amy Hall Garner.

Each performance for the Summer Series 2024 will be approximately 100 minutes, including one intermission. For tickets, student discounts, and more information, contact the BalletX Box Office at 215-225-5389 x250 or boxoffice@balletx.org. More information is also available at BalletX.org.