BalletNext Expands 'Between the Strings' Program in Salt Lake City

The resident ballet company showcases growth with three diverse works, including a revival and a new piece exploring memories and transformation.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:20pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of the textured surface of a ballet shoe, capturing the luxurious, high-contrast materiality and lighting that defines the visual style of the BalletNEXT performance.The shimmering textures and dramatic lighting of BalletNEXT's 'Between the Strings' program evoke the company's artistic evolution and the glamour of live ballet performance.Park City Today

BalletNEXT, the resident ballet company in Park City, Utah, will present its 'Between the Strings' program on April 7 and 8 at the Rose Wagner Leona Black Box in Salt Lake City. The program features three works that highlight the company's evolution since founder and artistic director Michele Wiles relocated from New York City in 2019, including a revival of Brian Reeder's 'Between the Two' and the premiere of Wiles' new piece 'Quantum Memory Shift' that explores her memories and dreams from her time at American Ballet Theatre.

Why it matters

BalletNEXT's 'Between the Strings' program demonstrates the company's artistic growth and expansion beyond its Park City roots, as it partners with the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City to bring its diverse repertoire to a wider audience. The program also features a return appearance by guest artist Sienna Hopper from the Olympic Ballet Theatre, highlighting BalletNEXT's collaborative relationships within the regional dance community.

The details

The 'Between the Strings' program features three works that showcase BalletNEXT's evolution. 'Quantum Memory Shift' is a direct extension of Wiles' earlier work 'Translucent Materials,' incorporating fragments of the original piece with new choreography and dancers to represent Wiles' 'tsunami dreams' from her time at American Ballet Theatre. The work culminates in a symbolic trio featuring Wiles, resident dancer Matthew Helms, and guest artist Bashaun Williams. The program also includes a revival of Brian Reeder's 'Between the Two,' which was created in 2023 after Reeder asked BalletNEXT dancers to develop movement phrases inspired by letters. To balance the intensity of the other two works, Wiles has added a lighter, fun piece called 'Sway' set to music by the Pussycat Dolls.

  • BalletNEXT will perform 'Between the Strings' on April 7 and 8, 2026.
  • The company first staged Brian Reeder's 'Between the Two' in 2023.

The players

Michele Wiles

Founder and Artistic Director of BalletNEXT, a former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre who moved the company from New York City to Park City, Utah in 2019.

Matthew Helms

Resident dancer with BalletNEXT.

Bashaun Williams

Guest artist performing with BalletNEXT.

Sienna Hopper

Dancer with the Olympic Ballet Theatre in Washington who is returning to perform with BalletNEXT.

Brian Reeder

Choreographer whose work 'Between the Two' is being revived in the 'Between the Strings' program.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like everyone has gone through some sort of transformation and evolution everywhere. I know BalletNext has evolved.”

— Michele Wiles, Founder and Artistic Director, BalletNEXT

“It was funny because Matt did this lift, a big overhead lift you see in 'Giselle,' which is something I had never done in my career because for me it takes a tremendous amount of trust with my partner. So this lift was and is symbolic of the transformation and growth of what's happening with everything.”

— Michele Wiles, Founder and Artistic Director, BalletNEXT

What’s next

BalletNEXT's 'Between the Strings' program will be performed on April 7 and 8, 2026 at the Rose Wagner Leona Black Box in Salt Lake City.

The takeaway

BalletNEXT's 'Between the Strings' program showcases the company's artistic evolution and expansion beyond its Park City roots, as it collaborates with new partners and explores themes of memory, transformation, and community through a diverse repertoire of works.