What a night! Take a look at BalletX’s annual fundraising gala, The Premier Party, where our community gathered for an extraordinary evening of dancing and joy, honoring advocates of the arts, Eugene Lefevre & Deborah Boardman, and celebrating the timeless legacy of Penny Fox.
Hosted for the first time at The Ballroom at the Ben on May 12, 2026, longtime supporters and new friends joined together to toast BalletX’s 20th Anniversary and the power of dance in an unforgettable celebration. Guests experienced a night of striking performances by BalletX dancers and a preview of One Dance, One Philly by the Dream Team, all paired with an exciting auction, silent disco, and lots of dancing!
The evening recognized the impact of Eugene Lefevre & Deborah Boardman, a dynamic duo who have been pivotal figures in supporting the arts in Philadelphia. Gene, a board member of the Association for Public Art and The Preservation Alliance, has spent his career investing in our city’s neighborhoods. Debbie is recognized as one of Philadelphia’s most respected performing-arts photographers, admired for her artistry and her deep love of community. Together, Gene and Debbie are visionaries who believe that the arts have the power to bring people together. We are extremely grateful for their unwavering generosity and support.
We also had the honor of celebrating the legacy and memory of Penny Fox, whose dedication and generosity left a lasting imprint on BalletX. Penny was a vibrant, one-of-a-kind soul whose endless contributions, energy, and support have strengthened our city for the better. An advocate for the arts and lifelong dancer, Penny was a trustee of both Moore College of Art & Design and Pennsylvania Ballet, and a longtime supporter of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We are grateful for her devoted leadership and philanthropy.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, and guests whose generosity helped raise over $500,000 in support of our mission. A special thank you to our Events Committee, who worked tirelessly to bring together a night of community, dancing, and joy. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening, and we look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
