Staff

artistic & executive director, co-founder

Christine Cox

Christine Cox co-founded BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, with Matthew Neenan in 2005. Under her leadership as Artistic & Executive Director, the BalletX team has produced 150 world premiere ballets by over 80 renowned and emerging choreographers from around the world. Throughout her tenure, Cox has committed BalletX to expanding dance’s vocabulary for all audiences, promoting initiatives that make contemporary ballet accessible and welcoming.

Associate Artistic Director

Tara Keating

Tara Keating began her training at the age of seven at the Pioneer Valley Ballet in Northampton, Massachusetts. She then attended The Juilliard School, under the direction of Benjamin Harkarvy, where she received a BFA in Dance. While there, she was awarded the Jerome L. Greene Fellowship and the Most Outstanding Dance Major award from the National Dance Association. She has danced professionally with the American Repertory Ballet, “Tharp!” and as a soloist with the Pennsylvania Ballet.

rehearsal director & Community Liaison

Keelan Whitmore

Keelan Whitmore, a native of Rockford, Illinois, trained at Rockford Dance Company, Joffrey Ballet School/New School University, Interlochen Arts Academy, and St. Mary’s College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts and was awarded the Dean’s Professional Student Award. From 2001-2006 he danced with Kansas City Ballet, and in 2006 he became a member of the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. As a choreographer and educator, Whitmore has worked with numerous national and international arts organizations.

managing director

Megan O'Donnell

Megan graduated from Drexel University with a BS in Film & Video. She has studied nonprofit management at LaSalle University and leadership training with Arts & Business Council and Young Involved Philadelphia.

PRODUCTION & COMPANY MANAGER

Caitlyn Davis

Caitlyn graduated from Emerson College where she earned her BFA in Stage and Production Management. She has worked with various theatre companies around the country including The Groundlings, Theatre Aspen, Seattle Opera, Seattle Children’s Theatre, and Philadelphia Theatre Company before joining BalletX in 2025.

Stage Manager

Rebecca Smith

Rebecca has been a professional stage manager for 20 years. She has worked for numerous companies in Philadelphia including theatre exile, New Paradise Laboratories, and Lantern Theater Company where she was the resident stage manager for 17 years. She is a graduate of Temple University with a BA in European History.

DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIVING

James Ihde

James received his dance training at the Dance Institute of the University of Akron. He was invited to join the Pennsylvania Ballet as an apprentice for the 1993/1994 season, and was promoted to soloist in 2003.

development manager

Juliana Luber

Juliana graduated with her BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of the Arts in 2019. Her passion for storytelling and community has led her to opportunities supporting performing arts companies across the city, such as her work with the Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival. She is driven to form genuine connections, and advance the arts for all!

marketing manager & publicist

Dan Bruskewicz

Dan graduated from Drexel University and managed digital marketing for NMBL before joining BalletX. He has an extensive background in live events and performance and you may see him strum a guitar from time to time.

EDUCATION MaNAGER

Alisa Moore

Alisa attended Holy Family University where she pursued her studies in psychology. Having cherished a love for dance since childhood, Alisa is dedicated to spreading the joy and benefits of dance, and fostering inclusivity and empowerment through movement.

DESIGN & BRAND MANAGER

Li Tian Trick

Li Tian Trick graduated from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Painting and pursued digital media studies as a visual artist prior to joining the BalletX team in 2022.

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Katie Adkinson

Katie graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Media Studies. She taught English in Loire Valley, France, and did marketing for a luxury travel agency before joining BalletX in 2024.

PATRON SERVICES MANAGER

Evan Kappelman

Stay tuned for more information about Evan!

Board of Directors

BalletX is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide critical leadership in aid of the company’s operations and growth.