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

PARK CITY, UT — BalletNEXT presented a innovative adaptation of “Giselle” and presented new ballet works to audiences at the Jim Santy Auditorium on October 23-24. The performances, each featuring a different program, aimed to both celebrate classical ballet and push the boundaries of creativity.

The Oct. 23 adaptation of “Giselle” added a Halloween twist to the traditional story of love and betrayal. BalletNEXT’s performance included narration and a unique musical score blending classical elements with contemporary Halloween tunes. Members of the public were encouraged to dress up. “The evening is an invitation for our community to experience ballet in a new and immersive way,” said James McCullough, president of BalletNEXT.

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

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McCullough highlighted 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, noting 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 strict classical ballet.”

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