Maslow’s Peak: A Stage Like No Other
BalletX’s annual Festival at the Mann is back May 2-3 to bring cutting-edge dance to one of Philadelphia’s most stunning outdoor venues, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts. One of the most exciting elements of this year’s festival is the immersive set design, which will transport audiences into a world both breathtaking and primal with the full-length world premiere of Maslow’s Peak, a gripping new work by choreographer Jennifer Archibald.
“I am thrilled to bring Jennifer Archibald’s Maslow’s Peak to life, and excited to work with her extraordinary design team to transform the iconic Mann Center,” says Artistic & Executive Director, Christine Cox. “This is one of the biggest projects we have ever produced and we are incredibly grateful for the support from The Pew Center for Arts and Humanities. This work will tackle some challenging human topics of power, our instinct to survive, and finding order in chaos. But it will be an important work for the whole family, a place where people can build conversations through inspired dance and creative production.”
Click to watch Maslow’s Peak come to life!
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Rehearsing in the Wild
BalletX dancers stepped into the world of Maslow’s Peak for the first time last week, rehearsing at the Proof Productions warehouse where set design by Guy de Lancey and construction is underway. Moving through the dense, vine-covered space and testing the aerial ropes and props, the dancers explored the full physicality of their roles—not just as performers, but as characters thrown into an unforgiving environment, grappling for power, connection, and survival.
“It is very immersive,” says BalletX dancer Ben Schwarz. “It allows me to tap into the story more authentically because I am reacting to the moving parts and making decisions of what my character will portray in real time.”
Why You Can’t Miss It!
Festival at the Mann is more than a performance—it’s a vibrant fusion of dance, music, and community festivities set against the stunning backdrop of Philadelphia’s iconic Mann Center for the Performing Arts. This year, an exciting collaboration with Proof Productions elevates the festival to new artistic heights, transforming the stage with immersive visuals and boundary-pushing creativity.
Bring a picnic, gather your friends, and be part of this unforgettable experience—get your tickets for Festival at the Mann, May 2-3!
Major support for Maslow’s Peak has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from National Endowment for the Arts and TD Charitable Foundation.
