BalletX’s Festival at Highmark Mann experience starts before the curtain rises!
On June 4-5, the Highmark Mann’s campus will come alive with performances from across the region, featuring local dance schools, youth programs, and community groups. These pre-show moments are a celebration of Philadelphia’s vibrant dance ecosystem and an opportunity to discover new artists, connect with the community, and be part of the energy leading into the premiere of The Four Seasons Reimagined. Plus, it’s your chance to perform this season’s One Dance, One Philly!
Arrive early, grab your spot, and take it all in.
Thursday, June 4 Pre-Show Schedule
6:10pm – Philly Dance Fitness
Philly Dance Fitness brings high-energy movement to the stage with their BollywoodTech performance team, blending styles of Indian dance into an electrifying, genre-crossing experience.
“We love spreading the joy of dance!”
6:20pm – Solstice Dance Academy
A women-owned studio rooted in inclusivity and community, Solstice Dance Academy showcases dancers of all ages in work that reflects both technical training and a deep love of dance.
“We are honored to share our love and passion for dance, creating opportunities for joy and connection.”
6:30pm – Esperanza Academy
Students from Esperanza Academy Charter School take the stage, representing a program dedicated to empowering young people through education, culture, and creative expression.
6:40pm – Living Arts Dance
Celebrating 20 years, Living Arts Dance Inc. presents work that reflects its mission to uplift youth through performance, discipline, and cultural connection.
“We value the chance to connect with other artists and organizations while representing the passion and diversity of Living Arts Dance. This platform allows our dancers to grow, be inspired, and feel seen.”
6:50pm – Philadelphia Dance Academy
Philadelphia Dance Academy presents a dynamic showcase of young dancers, highlighting strong technique, versatility, and a commitment to artistic growth.
“This opportunity allows our dancers to share their artistry, grow as performers, and connect with the Philadelphia community through the joy of dance. We are grateful to be part of an event that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and meaningful connection.”
7:00pm – One Dance, One Philly Flash Mob
Join the movement! Learn BalletX’s One Dance, One Philly choreography on the Highmark Mann Concourse from 6:30-7:00pm, then jump into a high-energy, all-are-welcome Flash Mob at 7:00pm. No experience needed, just show up and dance.
Friday, June 5 Pre-Show Schedule
6:10pm – SunMi Ballet
SunMi Ballet centers connection, community, and artistry, offering a performance that reflects both technical excellence and the deeper human experience of dance.
“At its core, dance is about connection and this Festival creates space for exactly that. It brings together artists, educators, and students from across the region, allowing dancers to experience new perspectives, styles, and voices beyond their home studio.”
6:20pm – I.M. Dance Academy
A community-driven program, I.M. Dance Academy empowers young dancers through discipline, creativity, and confidence, bringing fresh energy to the Festival stage.
“We’re excited to perform at the Festival because it provides our dancers with valuable exposure and the opportunity to be surrounded by other talented, like-minded artists who each bring something unique to the stage. Being in the presence of a world-renowned company like BalletX gives our dancers something to aspire to and shows them that their passion can extend far beyond I.M. Dance Academy.”
6:30pm – Bucks County Dance Center
With a legacy dating back to 1968, Bucks County Dance Center presents well-rounded dancers trained in a supportive, high-quality environment.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to see an amazing performance by BalletX and for our young dancers to experience the amazing talent and beautiful showmanship of the dancers.”
6:40pm – Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center
Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center uses dance as a bridge across generations, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression.
“Through bringing together different dance studios and organizations to showcase their talent and then being audience members for a professional dance company, our students get to connect with both the established and upcoming generation of dancers and artists.”
6:50pm – Dance eXchange Dream Team
BalletX’s Dance eXchange Dream Team brings together passionate young dancers from across the city, performing as part of our One Dance, One Philly initiative and representing the next generation of artists.
7:00pm – One Dance, One Philly Flash Mob
Back for night two! Learn BalletX’s One Dance, One Philly choreography on the Highmark Mann Concourse from 6:30-7:00pm, then jump into a high-energy, all-are-welcome Flash Mob at 7:00pm.
Make a Night of It
The pre-show performances are just the beginning. Stay for the premiere of BalletX’s The Four Seasons Reimagined, an epic love letter to Mother Nature that invites audiences into a living, breathing world shaped by sound, movement, light, and design. Composer and electronic music innovator Dan Deacon creates and performs a bold original score live on stage with his band, while four visionary choreographers, Morgann Runacre-Temple (Summer), Penny Saunders (Fall), Jamar Roberts (Winter), and Trey McIntyre (Spring), each bring a distinct season to life: fragile, fierce, and magnificently alive.
