BalletX is getting ready for a new season of Dance eXchange!
This year marks the twelfth season of BalletX’s Dance eXchange, and we are launching with an exciting new theme: Four Seasons… Root, Rise, Dance! Inspired by the natural cycles of growth and renewal, our students will explore how movement, rhythm, and creativity connect to the changing seasons. From planting seeds of acceptance to rising with compassion, each class will find joy in dancing through the rhythms of the year.
We are thrilled to welcome Jacob Brunner as the newest musician on our Dance eXchange team. Jacob joins a dynamic group of teaching artists and musicians who bring energy, artistry, and inspiration into the classroom every week. His talents will help deepen the musical heartbeat of the program, giving students a rich and engaging experience.
We are also proud to welcome back our dedicated Dance Teaching Artists—Kristen Smith, Caleah Allen, Karly Meehan, Em Godfrey, Kathryn Schweingruber, Samantha Sam, and Kevin Harris II—along with returning musicians Josh Shaffer and Jeff Beiter, whose artistry continues to shape the success of the program year after year. And a special thank you to incredible supporter and Dance eXchange volunteer Toni Stifano who joined us for the training in preparation for another exciting year!
To prepare for the season, our team gathered for an inspiring three-day training led by the National Dance Institute’s Jessi Colón and musician Rob Cookman. Their guidance energized our teaching artists and musicians, sparking fresh ideas and renewed excitement for the year ahead. Together, we explored innovative teaching strategies, rhythmic creativity, and playful activities designed to build connection and ignite imagination. This immersive experience not only deepened our team’s skills but also reinforced our shared commitment to cultivating belonging and engagement in every Dance eXchange classroom.
Dance eXchange continues to grow and thrive. This season, we are excited to welcome our newest partner, Olney Elementary, bringing the program to even more students across Philadelphia. They join our five returning partner schools: Albert Greenfield, Bache Martin, Francis Scott Key, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, and Stephen Girard.
This year, Dance eXchange will serve 453 students across 20 classrooms through 768 classes taught by our talented teaching artists and musicians. As the year unfolds, we look forward to sharing stories of how the students root, rise, and dance together, celebrating the power of movement to connect us all through every season.
Alisa Moore | Education Manager
