Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, BalletX presents an evening of extraordinary dance with a dynamic program of three works intertwining themes of exploration, elevation, and transformation: Mapping Out a Sky, Exalt, and Become a Mountain. Showcasing the power of contemporary ballet, the performance pushes the limits of expression and movement in new, breathtaking ways.
First, enjoy Mapping Out a Sky, created by BalletX co-founder Matthew Neenan. Renowned for his innovative choreography, Neenan’s Mapping Out A Sky is set to intimate piano arrangements of classic Stephen Sondheim melodies and hailed as “a formal investigation of time and space and something altogether "more jazzy” (The New York Times).
Next, Exalt fuses house music and global dance tracks, pushing the boundaries of classical ballet with “drama, grit, and swagger” (Dance International). Exalt is choreographed by Jennifer Archiband, Founder and Director of Arch Dance Company and a lecturer at Columbia and Yale Universities, celebrated for her “sleek, lovely, highly athletic” choreography (The Philadelphia Inquirer).
Choreographed by Resident Choreographer and Artistic Advisor of New York City Ballet and set to a powerful score by Dan Deacon, Become a Mountain takes the audience on a visceral journey that mirrors the arc of a mountain climb. The work unfolds in three parts—ascending a summit, the exhilaration of reaching the peak, and the rush of descending the other side—while exploring human connectivity, personal reflection, and the uncertainty of uncharted terrain.
About BalletX
With a versatile and diverse ensemble of 16 dancers and hailed as “among America’s best” by The New York Times, BalletX pushes the boundaries of classical ballet to tell today’s stories with passion, creativity, and exuberance.
Founded in 2005 and led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, the company has commissioned nearly 80 choreographers from around the world to produce 140 world premieres that are “fresh, inclusive, and connect to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen).
As a vibrant global incubator for artistic talent, the company makes ballet accessible and inviting, captivating audiences at prestigious venues including The Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, The Joyce Theatre, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through performances, international touring, and meaningful community outreach, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection.