BalletX Donor Feature: Toni Stifano
Supporter Toni Stifano recently moved to Philadelphia and quickly fell in love with the city’s vibrant energy – and with BalletX. In our latest Donor Feature, Toni shares what drew her to the company, what she’s discovering about Philly’s arts scene, and why supporting BalletX has become such a meaningful part of her new chapter.
What brought you to Philadelphia, and how long have you been here?
Marc, my husband, and I knew that DC was not going to be our forever home. I am from NY and Marc, NJ; he was not about to live in midtown. So, we talked about what was important for us in considering where to relocate. For me, I NEEDED at least one top notch ballet company; a walkable city and, yes, an abundance of cultural and nerdy activities available to us. After deciding that Philadelphia may well check those boxes, we came to visit over a couple of weekends and decided this was the place. We knew no one, had no family but we trusted our instincts and moved here a little over a year and a half ago. A decision that we have not for a moment regretted.
How did you discover BalletX?
When we first moved here, I was still schlepping back and forth for work at The Washington Ballet and typically toting a branded heavy-duty bag. As a result of carrying that bag, I learned rather quickly from a guy in the elevator of our building who was wearing a BalletX T shirt that I must see Philadelphia’s BalletX and that it had a cult following. With that in mind, I bought a front row seat to the summer 2024 performance.
Has BalletX helped you feel more connected to the city or its arts scene?
Well, by the end of that first performance, I found myself sitting on approximately 1/8th of inch of my seat and completely taken by what I saw, which included two familiar faces from DC, on that stage. The familiar faces, and spectacular performance made me feel like it was exactly where I needed to be. It was love at first sight.
What’s one performance or experience that stands out to you?
It is close to impossible to pick one! Although, in spite of its historical back story, Macaroni was a completely whimsical and joy-filled, tongue in cheek representation and performance of what could otherwise be a relatively sensitive subject matter (to some), that offered me a total escape from whatever might have been on my mind at that time. More recently, Maslow’s Peak just took my breath away.
What inspired you to become a supporter of the company?
I love the creativity and the freshness that it brings to ballet. I am also so very appreciative of it being a non-hierarchical company of dancers and the obvious care and respect that the members of the company show towards each other…and for deeply personal reasons, the Dance eXchange program and Dream Team stole my heart.
What’s felt most rewarding about supporting BalletX?
Just being there to watch it ALL happen, talk with the dancers and staff, and having the opportunity to help with the kids in the Dance eXchange program and Dream Team.
I feel like one of the luckiest people on the planet to be able to support BalletX in any way I can, and I cannot wait to see and experience what lies ahead for this incredibly talented and creative company. In looking back, I completely understand why that guy in the elevator told me BalletX had a cult following, and yes, you can count me in as a member of that cult.
What would you say to someone new to the city looking to get involved?
Like Nike….JUST DO IT!!!
