Geek of the Week: Matthew Neenan, Ballet X Choreographer

Matt is the one soaring through the air. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev

Parker: How does Indy Hall Night Owls sound, this Wednesday?
Me: Can’t, going to the ballet.
Parker: THE BALLET?!
Me: Dude, I’m classy. I like the ballet.
Parker: I know, but BALLET?! Do you play iPhone games the whole time?

I’m not sure why it surprises so many of my friends, but I really do love a good ballet. I always find myself awe struck by the way the dancers move, especially considering the most elegant moves I make involve walking to the fridge from my couch. The grace, the lightning, the beauty… it is impossible not to get sucked in. And I’m talking about the ballet, here. Not my fridge.

So yeah, I’ll definitely be scoping out Ballet X this week.

For today’s Geek of the Week, I chatted with Matthew Neenan, the co-artistic director of Ballet X’s Fall Series. The world premiere of his piece Jackson Sounds hits the stage tonight through November 20th, and draws inspiration from the students of Andrew Jackson Public School in South Philadelphia.

Anyhow, enjoy the short and sweet Q&A, and try to check out the show if you can. Especially you, Parker.

So Matt! Tell us about your show.

It’s a wonderfully diverse show. Three different works by three very different choreographers. We also have our first annual Expand the Experience (funded by the Knight Foundation), where local Philly artists will be performing during our intermissions. Expect poetry, opera and even a marching band!

I hear you videotaped junior high kids and used the footage to train dancers? Can you tell us about that?

We had the students listen to the new composition, then they first responded to the music with certain adjectives. From there, we came up with some dance phrases, which I then taught to our dancers.

Other than the video recording, how does the show incorporate technology? You know, stuff Geeks would get psyched about.

Our performances aren’t usually very high tech. The Wilma has a great lighting plot and a wonderful sound system which we are very lucky to have. The lighting design in my work is very important. To me, detail is everything.

What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?

The narrow, quaint colonial streets.

As a dancer, I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of dance movies. Any favorites? Thoughts on the Footloose remake?

The Turning Point (1977) is an amazing dance film. Very realistic story and a great script. I haven’t seen the new Footloose yet, but I hear it’s very good. I’ll see it eventually, for sure.

Geekadelphia is all about geekery. Tell me, are there any comics you’re into? Video games?

LOVE Daniel Tosh and Jon Stewart. Not a big video game person… but I loved my Intellivision as a child.