BalletX’s Inside the Mind of a Dancer is a fan-favorite program that offers audiences a rare glimpse into the thought process behind creating dance.
Participants explore how dancers and choreographers convey emotion, translate ideas into movement, and develop their creative process—making the art form come alive in a whole new way.
Last week, we brought this immersive experience to the Athenaeum with Inside the Mind of Matthew Neenan. Moderated by BalletX Rehearsal Director and Community Liaison Keelan Whitmore, the program included live demonstrations from company dancers Itzkan Barbosa, Eli Alford, and Jerard Palazo.
The dancers performed excerpts from Matthew’s world premiere SQUARES with music by Scott Ordway, as well as excerpts from Show Me (2016). Scott also shared his process composing for a dance company for the first time, including insights into his collaboration with Matthew. These works will be performed at BalletX’s Spring Series 2026, March 18-22.
For those who couldn’t attend, watch the recap video for a taste of this behind-the-scenes experience and see how BalletX continues to bring the creative process of dance beyond the stage.
