Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance Transforms Video Game Soundtrack into Narrative Performance

Boulder-based company's latest production, 'Light vs. the Dark,' blends the eerie score of 'The Last of Us Part II' with aerial choreography and original creature characters.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:25pm

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Inspired by the atmospheric soundtrack of the hit video game 'The Last of Us Part II,' Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance has created a new production, 'Light vs. the Dark,' that transforms the cinematic tension of the apocalyptic story into a narrative aerial performance. The show, which runs April 3-5 at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, features a cast of eight performers moving across a stage divided into light and dark sides, as the action shifts between the two realms.

Why it matters

Frequent Flyers has spent decades building aerial dance in Boulder, combining dance and circus techniques into performances that challenge the traditional boundaries of the art form. 'Light vs. the Dark' represents the company's latest effort to push the creative limits of aerial choreography by translating a video game soundtrack into a live, theatrical experience.

The details

The production uses about 50% of the actual licensed soundtrack from 'The Last of Us Part II,' with the two composers' contrasting musical styles representing the light and dark sides of the stage. The performers portray a set of original, otherworldly creatures whose shapes shift depending on their location and movement, with the light side's choreography expanding outward and the dark side's movements tightening and sharpening. As the story unfolds, the light side initially responds to the dark side's actions with violence, but eventually learns that the only way to overcome darkness is through compassion and understanding.

  • The production opens on April 3, 2026 and runs through April 5, 2026.
  • Rehearsals have been taking place several times a week for hours at a time as the performers build the endurance required for the aerial choreography.

The players

Valerie Morris

The artistic director of 'Light vs. the Dark' and a longtime company member of Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance. She was inspired to create the production after listening to the soundtrack of 'The Last of Us Part II' and envisioning the stage divided into light and dark sides.

Nancy Smith

The founder and producing artistic director of Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, who approved the idea for 'Light vs. the Dark' and is also performing in the show as the character Dianthe, associated with spring, rebirth and renewal.

Anastasia Timina

A professional aerialist who joined Frequent Flyers in 2019 and now teaches and performs with the company. She plays the central character of Pepper, a curious creature who starts on the light side but is taken by the dark side.

Richard Nunn

Morris's partner and an avid gamer, who suggested she explore video game soundtracks, leading her to discover the music of 'The Last of Us Part II' that inspired the production.

Jeff Rusnak

The set designer who helps define the two worlds of light and dark on stage.

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What they’re saying

“As I listened, I suddenly saw the entire show. I saw the stage split in half, light on one side and dark on the other.”

— Valerie Morris, Artistic Director

“Pepper is curious, a little mischievous, kind of a crow or magpie-like creature. She isn't good or bad, she's just curious and likes to poke her head into places.”

— Anastasia Timina, Performer

“We're living in a time with a lot of division in the world. There's a lot of darkness, war, and difficulty for people. So this idea of light versus dark feels relevant. It's an age-old theme, but presenting it right now feels appropriate.”

— Nancy Smith, Producing Artistic Director

What’s next

The production of 'Light vs. the Dark' will run for three performances from April 3-5, 2026 at the Gordon Gamm Theater inside the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, Colorado.

The takeaway

By translating the eerie, atmospheric score of a hit video game into an aerial dance performance, Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance is pushing the boundaries of its art form and exploring timeless themes of light and darkness, compassion and violence, in a way that feels particularly resonant for contemporary audiences.