When I look back on the past twenty years of BalletX, I find myself filled with gratitude, awe, and disbelief at how far we’ve come. What began as a spark of curiosity and courage has grown into something far greater than I could have imagined – a community of artists, audiences, and supporters who believe in the power of dance to tell new stories and move the human spirit.
BalletX was born in 2005 out of a deep desire to create something different. I had spent my career dancing in companies where the repertoire leaned heavily on the classics – beautiful and vital works, but ones that left little room for experimentation. I wanted to be part of a company that pushed the boundaries of ballet, one that would ask what’s next for this art form. Together with my co-founder, Matthew Neenan, I set out to build a space for innovation, a home where choreographers could take risks, dancers could bring their whole selves to the work, and audiences could be inspired by something fresh and real.
Those early years were scrappy, joyful, and full of possibility. We performed wherever we could, including the Fringe Festival, The Wilma Theater, and small community venues, and every show was an adventure. We didn’t have much, but we had heart. The dancers gave everything, the audiences came along for the ride, and little by little, BalletX began to carve out its place in Philadelphia’s vibrant arts scene. I’ll never forget those first moments when people started to see that we were doing something different, and that we weren’t afraid to be bold, to surprise, and to move ballet forward.
Over the years, BalletX has evolved, but our mission has remained the same: to expand the vocabulary of contemporary ballet for all audiences. That mission has taken us on a journey that has exceeded every expectation. We’ve commissioned 150 world premieres by more than 80 choreographers from around the globe – voices that bring their own unique perspectives, traditions, and imaginations to our stage. From established masters to rising innovators, each collaboration has taught us something new about the power of movement and storytelling.
It’s no small thing to commit to creating new work season after season. New choreography is risky, and it asks everyone involved to step into the unknown. But that risk is also what makes this company so alive. Our dancers thrive on the challenge of invention, of being part of something that’s never existed before. They are not just interpreters: they are creators, collaborators, and storytellers. Their artistry, athleticism, and openness to discovery are the heartbeat of BalletX. Watching them work in the studio, I am reminded daily why we do what we do.
As we’ve grown, so has our reach. BalletX has taken Philadelphia’s energy and spirit to stages around the world, from The Joyce Theater in New York City to the Vail Dance Festival, from The Kennedy Center to Belgrade, Serbia. Every time we perform outside our home city, I feel immense pride in representing Philadelphia’s creative voice. BalletX is a Philly company through and through – fierce, innovative, inclusive, and unafraid to dream big.
But our story isn’t only about the stage. Over the past two decades, BalletX has become deeply woven into the fabric of our community. Through programs like Dance eXchange, we’ve brought the joy of dance into Philadelphia public schools, inspiring more than 450 students each year to express themselves through movement and creativity. Our Pop-Up initiative has taken free performances to neighborhoods across the city, ensuring that dance is accessible to everyone. And through programs like the Choreographic Fellowship and Intensives, we’re investing in the future of the art form by nurturing the next generation of choreographers and dancers.
This commitment to access and innovation is at the heart of who we are. I often say that dance has the power to bring people together and inspire human connection – it’s a universal language that speaks to our shared humanity. When I see a young child light up during a school performance, or an audience member moved to tears during a premiere, I’m reminded that art can transform us in ways nothing else can. That is what keeps me inspired after all these years.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible people who have been part of this journey. Our dancers, past and present, who pour their hearts into every rehearsal and performance. The choreographers who trust us with their visions and challenge us to see dance anew. The production and administrative teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the impossible happen. The Board and staff who believe in our mission even when the path ahead isn’t clear. And most of all, our audiences and supporters like you, who have shown up, cheered us on, and made this work possible.
The last two decades have been an extraordinary journey, but I truly believe we’re just getting started. The world is changing rapidly, and dance has an essential role to play in helping us navigate that change with empathy, imagination, and courage. BalletX will continue to push forward and ask new questions, exploring what ballet can be in the 21st century and beyond. To everyone who has been part of this journey – thank you. Your belief in BalletX has made it possible for us to dream boldly, create fearlessly, and share the transformative power of dance with the world. Here’s to the next 20 years of exploration, connection, and wonder.
With love and gratitude,
Christine Cox
Artistic & Executive Director
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