Community Education

School Programs

Costume Collaboration

This program collaborates with college level fashion design departments to provide students with the experience of designing costumes for a dance company. In past years, Philadelphia Ballet has worked with Jefferson University students for the Philadelphia Ballet II production of “Celtic Fire” and Moore College of Art & Design to redesign Sleeping Beauty Bluebird costumes. In the 2023/34 season, Moore College of Art & Design Fashion students designed and created four new costumes for George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, which were performed in by PBII dancers and featured in Moore’s Spring fashion show.

Fashion Collaboration Has All the Right Moves —The Nexus


Dance Chance

For 1st grade students, Dance Chance is an instructional program that provides dance lessons to nearly 300 students each year. Established in 2012, the goal of this program is to empower children in underserved communities through instruction that leads to physical, emotional, and artistic growth. Students who show promise and dedication are invited to attend classes at The School of Philadelphia Ballet on scholarship, allowing the company to forge a meaningful bond and sustained impact on future generations of prospective professional dancers.

Partner Schools 

  • Dunbar Elementary
  • Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter
  • Kearny Elementary School
  • Fitler Academy Plus School
  • Tacony Academy Charter School
  • Thomas Holme Elementary

Specific Objectives: 

  • Consistent movement opportunities to first grade students throughout the school year.
  • Introduce students to ballet as an artform which includes narrative characterizations and storytelling
  • Understand dance as a vehicle for social connection and emotional expression
  • Understand the dance concepts of level, space, shape and rhythm

Meet Your Teacher

Rakiyah Crutchfield

Rakiyah Crutchfield was born and raised in Queens New York, began her dance training at four years old. Rakiyah studied Ballet, West African and Step Dance at P-A-L (Police Athletics League). At the age of ten she moved to Philadelphia, PA where years later in her freshman year of high school, continued to train at En Pointe Dance Studio.

Located in the greater Northeast Philadelphia area, Ms. Crutchfield trained under Jennifer Holt and Kelley Slaven for six years. Under their direction, Ms. Crutchfield trained in Vaganova, Cecchetti, Horton, Graham and Limón techniques. Graduating En Pointe as a student of dance, Rakiyah studied Pointe, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobats and Competition dance. Ms. Crutchfield has performed and taught in multiple communities around the PA, NJ and NYC area. During her season as a D2 Dancer with PHILADANCO! She was trained by Donald Lunsford, Kim Y. Bears Bailey and the late Deborah Chase-Hicks. To build her strength in Hip Hop, House, Vogue and Jazz dance, she performed and trained under Richard James DysFunksional Solez in New York City. As of now a College Graduate in communications, Rakiyah is currently in her fifth year as the Dance Director at Lower Mayfair Rec Center, instructing in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. While well into her seventh year on the Dance Staff at Jardel Rec Center. Rakiyah had the opportunity to choreograph for Jardel Dance’s Pre Game performance, at the Philadelphia 76’ers court for two straight seasons. Returning to En Pointe Dance Studio, Rakiyah is currently training her competition students in Hip Hop/House fundamentals and strengthening their Vogue Fem techniques. This is Ms. Crutchfield’s second season teaching for The Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department.

 

Sevon Becker-Wright

Sevon Becker-Wright is an innovative and passionate artist based out of Philadelphia. Her journey started at Pebblebrook High School’s Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA) as a vocal major but took a turn and found her love for movement.

Her choreographic journey began in Atlanta, Georgia where she presented work at schools, local shows, and in an internship with Dance Canvas. After graduating, Sevon took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a choreographer and dance educator. She then performed with Merge Dance Company, Femme Collective, Speak 2 My Soul, Kathanga Dance Company, Fringe Festival’s Sprout (2019), Chocolate Ballerina and in several performances in collaboration with AniMalayaworks. In pursuit of her dream, Burgundy Blue Dance was born in October of 2018. Her first works were presented at RAW natural born artists showcase “Magnify” and “Ovation” in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theater. Then presented two shows, Dine & Dance and Heaven ANd Hell as well several dance films before taking a long break due to the pandemic.

As a choreographer her intentions are to create art that is thought provoking, raw and relatable to audience members. Sevon strives to create environments full of expression and passion that feel fresh, new, and push the envelope when it comes to the format of traditional theater. As a lover of all art forms, she aims to fuse elements of different styles of dance and art as well as build community between artists and audiences where we can all share experiences together as humans. Sevon is ecstatic to be sharing This with work you today and honored to have such amazing, grounded, and thoughtful artists.

 


Let’s Dance

The Let’s Dance Program provides after-school dance classes, visits to dress rehearsals and performances for Philadelphia Middle Schools and concludes with a student showcase in which all partner schools join for a collaborative performance. Each year, close to 300 students take lessons in various forms of dance including: Classical Ballet, Jazz, Latin, African dance, and Hip-Hop. The program provides meaningful cultural experiences for students, positively influencing a variety of their behaviors and improving their self-confidence.

Partner Schools

  • Pan American Charter School
  • Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter
  • Gen. Philip Kearny School
  • Dr. Ethel D. Allen School
  • Thomas Holme Middle School
  • Conwell Middle Magnet School

Specific Objectives:

  • Introduce students to the physical practices of multiple genres of dance
  • Introduce students to the cultural contexts of the dance genres studied
  • Create a sense of community through the creation of dance performance
  • Promote self-esteem and experiences of accomplishment through hard work
  • Create opportunities for students to use out-of-school time for activities that contribute to social skills and personal growth
  • Provide opportunity for the students’ family and larger community to see them perform.
  • Understand dance as a vehicle for social connection and emotional expression
  • Develop interest and creating opportunities for continued dance study

Meet Your Teachers

Rakiyah Crutchfield

Rakiyah Crutchfield was born and raised in Queens New York, began her dance training at four years old. Rakiyah studied Ballet, West African and Step Dance at P-A-L (Police Athletics League). At the age of ten she moved to Philadelphia, PA where years later in her freshman year of high school, continued to train at En Pointe Dance Studio.

Located in the greater Northeast Philadelphia area, Ms. Crutchfield trained under Jennifer Holt and Kelley Slaven for six years. Under their direction, Ms. Crutchfield trained in Vaganova, Cecchetti, Horton, Graham and Limón techniques. Graduating En Pointe as a student of dance, Rakiyah studied Pointe, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobats and Competition dance. Ms. Crutchfield has performed and taught in multiple communities around the PA, NJ and NYC area. During her season as a D2 Dancer with PHILADANCO! She was trained by Donald Lunsford, Kim Y. Bears Bailey and the late Deborah Chase-Hicks. To build her strength in Hip Hop, House, Vogue and Jazz dance, she performed and trained under Richard James DysFunksional Solez in New York City. As of now a College Graduate in communications, Rakiyah is currently in her fifth year as the Dance Director at Lower Mayfair Rec Center, instructing in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. While well into her seventh year on the Dance Staff at Jardel Rec Center. Rakiyah had the opportunity to choreograph for Jardel Dance’s Pre Game performance, at the Philadelphia 76’ers court for two straight seasons. Returning to En Pointe Dance Studio, Rakiyah is currently training her competition students in Hip Hop/House fundamentals and strengthening their Vogue Fem techniques. This is Ms. Crutchfield’s second season teaching for The Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department.

Julian Darden

Julian Darden studied performance and choreography at the Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

As a teaching artist, he has worked with the youth of Philadelphia as an Education Assistant at the Lenfest Center, and a Mentor/Dance Instructor with Upbeat Dance Center, Rain Dance Studio, Elkins Park School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, The Village of Arts and Humanities, Urban Movement Arts and in association with The Philadelphia Ballet has worked with Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School, Conwell Middle School, Bethune Mary McCloud School, Dr. Tanner G. Duckery Public School, Global Leadership Academy, and Paul L Dunbar School.

Darden was granted the opportunity to teach Umfundalai as an adjunct at Temple University for the fall semester of 2018. As a performing artist, Darden danced with D2D: Dare to Dance Co., Kariamu & Company:Traditions, and the Nance Dance Collective. He has performed at New Freedom Theatre in “The Ballad of Trayvon Martin” (2016) and had his choreography featured in the productions of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” (2016) and “Black Nativity” (2016), shared the stage with the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble in Kingston, Jamaica (2017-2019) and participated in the Philadelphia Fringe Arts Festival in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Darden had the privilege to work as an assistant choreographer and be featured in Saleka Shyamalan’s music video “Clarity” (2020) and Kingsley Ibeneche’s music video “So Kind” (2021). Standing on the shoulders of his mentors Oluko C. Kemal Nance and his Mwalimu Monique Newton Walker, Darden received his professional teaching certification of the Umfundalai dance technique in February 2021.

Sevon Becker-Wright

Sevon Becker-Wright is an innovative and passionate artist based out of Philadelphia. Her journey started at Pebblebrook High School’s Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA) as a vocal major but took a turn and found her love for movement.

Her choreographic journey began in Atlanta, Georgia where she presented work at schools, local shows, and in an internship with Dance Canvas. After graduating, Sevon took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a choreographer and dance educator. She then performed with Merge Dance Company, Femme Collective, Speak 2 My Soul, Kathanga Dance Company, Fringe Festival’s Sprout (2019), Chocolate Ballerina and in several performances in collaboration with AniMalayaworks. In pursuit of her dream, Burgundy Blue Dance was born in October of 2018. Her first works were presented at RAW natural born artists showcase “Magnify” and “Ovation” in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theater. Then presented two shows, Dine & Dance and Heaven ANd Hell as well several dance films before taking a long break due to the pandemic.

As a choreographer her intentions are to create art that is thought provoking, raw and relatable to audience members. Sevon strives to create environments full of expression and passion that feel fresh, new, and push the envelope when it comes to the format of traditional theater. As a lover of all art forms, she aims to fuse elements of different styles of dance and art as well as build community between artists and audiences where we can all share experiences together as humans. Sevon is ecstatic to be sharing This with work you today and honored to have such amazing, grounded, and thoughtful artists.

Avalon Bobb

 

Karen Pendergrass

Karen was born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia. While attending Temple University, Karen began her studies in dance. From there she joined the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO), becoming a principal in 1974.

Karen is an art educator for forty years, serving as adjunct instructor of dance at Drexel University and Artistic/Program Director for the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center and Director for the Salem Baptist Praise Dance Ensemble, as well as long term teaching artist for Philadelphia Ballet.

Stephanie Sanchez

Victor Colon

Victor has been dancing since childhood. Raised in Puerto Rico, Victor’s extensive background provides him knowledge of styles to include Salsa, Hip Hop, Mambo, Merengue, Bachata, and Cha-Cha.

Victor has also expanded his training to include Ballroom, Hustle, Ballet, Jazz and African. Victor’s classic style, elegance, and understanding of the natural island rhythms make him a perfect lead for students of any level.

A cheerful personality and high energy performance style has earned Victor the reputation of “The Entertainer” in Philadelphia. Victor has taught and choreographed classes for adults and teens as well as routines performed at salsa congresses. Victor’s professional credits also include collaboration with Art In Motion, La Luna and Living in Rhythm and several television appearances in PA, NJ and NY.

Victor has performed regularly in local venues such as Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar in the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ and Philadelphia locations as well as at several weddings, office parties, school functions and other private functions.

Victor teaches group and private lessons daily. He is currently teaching dance for the School District of Philadelphia. He teaches students of all levels and grades. Victor teaches everything from basic movements and music appreciation at the beginner level to choreography development for more advanced students interested in Performance Classes.

 

Saantis Davis of SFD

Who we are. Hello I am Saantis Davis of SFD Music. We are a music company that focuses on music education and performance. We specialize in traditional Guinea West African music and percussion from all parts of the world.

I am from Philadelphia but trained in New York and now I came back to my hometown to share my gift with the youth. I believe music is the way to unify people.

 What we are doing now. I am the creative director of “Benu Ausar Philadelphia” (sound of the creator). The group was founded in 2014. We are a group that performs Traditional Guinea West African pieces all over the United States. I am also a music educator. I have workshops at many organizations and schools like: South Philadelphia high school, Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia public school system, Temple University, PA public library. i have performed recently at George Mason Uni, Democratic National Convention, Friends Schools, and many more. We work with the adults and youth to educate them on percussion instruments from around the world and how to play them.

 Background. I have over 20 plus years of experience playing music and 10 years of teaching. I was raised in traditional African culture so I was born with my instruments. I was taught by master drummers from around the world. I have studied under Tchet Kater, Brother Yao of Asase Yah Drum, and Dance & Basi Kolo, Dende Macedo. These world-renowned teachers taught me when I was young working with Benu Ausar Drummers and Dancers of New York. I was a part of this group during my pre-teen, teenage and adult years. We traveled all across the world to Europe, Canada and the United States. We performed at the Apollo theater for a week-long for African drum and dance play. 

 As you can see, music is in my blood. I love teaching the youth. My experience has allowed me the skill of teaching any and everyone. My passion comes from the elders who taught me, the culture I represent and the youth that look to me as an example. I know I am a humble part of the cycle of music. I was once the youth looking to the masters for guidance and now I am the teacher guiding the youth and one day I wish to be the elder who inspires so many youth to become master drummers.

Tepra Khu Corinaldi

Tepra khu Johnson-Corinaldi is a Brooklyn born but Philly raised African percussionists who started his craft at the age of 5. He graduated from Morgan State University and works in multiple fields including education, physical fitness, musical art, health, and wellness.

Tepra khu has played for multiple groups and schools in and out of Pennsylvania including, Coppin State University, Temple University, Dance 4 Nia, Freedom Theater, Just Danz, DIP Dance Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Ballet. His main goal is to continue working in fields of service and continue to experience personal and professional growth.

Mark “Flacko” Best


High School Choreographic Mentorship Program

 

Select high school students that have expressed interest in dance create original choreography under the guidance of Philadelphia Ballet staff. The culmination of the student’s creative process results in the self-produced performance of their new work.

Specific Objectives:

  • Understand the tools of the choreographer for creating art through movement
  • Make one on one connections with staff members from the Philadelphia Ballet with extensive experience
  • Prepare high school students for advanced dance study at the college level through opportunities to practice critique of others’ work, accept critique from others, and evaluate and refine work
  • Understand dance as a vehicle for social connection and emotional expression

2022-2023 Partner Schools

  • CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts High School of Philadelphia)
  • Franklin Learning Center
  • Esperanza Academy Charter
  • Philadelphia High School for Girls
  • George Washington High School

Meet Your Teachers

Rakiyah Crutchfield

Rakiyah Crutchfield was born and raised in Queens New York, began her dance training at four years old. Rakiyah studied Ballet, West African and Step Dance at P-A-L (Police Athletics League). At the age of ten she moved to Philadelphia, PA where years later in her freshman year of high school, continued to train at En Pointe Dance Studio.

Located in the greater Northeast Philadelphia area, Ms. Crutchfield trained under Jennifer Holt and Kelley Slaven for six years. Under their direction, Ms. Crutchfield trained in Vaganova, Cecchetti, Horton, Graham and Limón techniques. Graduating En Pointe as a student of dance, Rakiyah studied Pointe, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Acrobats and Competition dance. Ms. Crutchfield has performed and taught in multiple communities around the PA, NJ and NYC area. During her season as a D2 Dancer with PHILADANCO! She was trained by Donald Lunsford, Kim Y. Bears Bailey and the late Deborah Chase-Hicks. To build her strength in Hip Hop, House, Vogue and Jazz dance, she performed and trained under Richard James DysFunksional Solez in New York City. As of now a College Graduate in communications, Rakiyah is currently in her fifth year as the Dance Director at Lower Mayfair Rec Center, instructing in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. While well into her seventh year on the Dance Staff at Jardel Rec Center. Rakiyah had the opportunity to choreograph for Jardel Dance’s Pre Game performance, at the Philadelphia 76’ers court for two straight seasons. Returning to En Pointe Dance Studio, Rakiyah is currently training her competition students in Hip Hop/House fundamentals and strengthening their Vogue Fem techniques. This is Ms. Crutchfield’s second season teaching for The Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs Department.

 

Anodja Peck

Anodja Peck is a Dancer and Choreographer from Philadelphia, PA who began her journey at the age of 6 at Kidz Con Estilo performing styles such as Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Jazz, and Ballet.

By the age of 10 she explored various other styles of dance like Hip Hop, Modern, Contemporary, and Horton Technique with BEAUDE Dance Company. Entering High School, she pursued being a dance major along with being a main choreographer for various events such as The African American Heritage Month, Annual Winter Showcases, and Company Performances. Continuing this journey she decided to advance her training in college, and earned her Bachelors of Performing Arts Degree at Stockton University located in Galloway, NJ as a dance major with a concentration in performance. During her time at Stockton University she has had the pleasure of training under Beau Hancock, Blythe Smith, Caitlin Quinn Pittenger, Chandra Moss-Thorne, Rain Ross, Shannon Murphy, Saleana Pettaway and Tiffany Mills for which helped develop her love for ballet and the fluidity and mobility, of movement and technique.

Through her college experience she has also had the pleasure of presenting her work entitled “Love U In Advanced” in the 2021 Fall Choreography Project; Which was about the ideology of family dynamics and the expectations and standards they have. Anodja currently works as a freelance dancer, choreographer, and model creating the space to invest and explore the biological rhythms of the body. As a graduate of Stockton University, she is building her own method of teaching dance to help build confidence, structure, depth, and individualized artistry. Anodja currently performs with the Chocolate Ballerina Company directed and founded by Chanel Pierre-Holland.

Julian Darden

Julian Darden studied performance and choreography at the Esther Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

As a teaching artist, he has worked with the youth of Philadelphia as an Education Assistant at the Lenfest Center, and a Mentor/Dance Instructor with Upbeat Dance Center, Rain Dance Studio, Elkins Park School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School, The Village of Arts and Humanities, Urban Movement Arts and in association with The Philadelphia Ballet has worked with Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School, Conwell Middle School, Bethune Mary McCloud School, Dr. Tanner G. Duckery Public School, Global Leadership Academy, and Paul L Dunbar School.

Darden was granted the opportunity to teach Umfundalai as an adjunct at Temple University for the fall semester of 2018. As a performing artist, Darden danced with D2D: Dare to Dance Co., Kariamu & Company:Traditions, and the Nance Dance Collective. He has performed at New Freedom Theatre in “The Ballad of Trayvon Martin” (2016) and had his choreography featured in the productions of “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope” (2016) and “Black Nativity” (2016), shared the stage with the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble in Kingston, Jamaica (2017-2019) and participated in the Philadelphia Fringe Arts Festival in 2016, 2017, and 2019. Darden had the privilege to work as an assistant choreographer and be featured in Saleka Shyamalan’s music video “Clarity” (2020) and Kingsley Ibeneche’s music video “So Kind” (2021). Standing on the shoulders of his mentors Oluko C. Kemal Nance and his Mwalimu Monique Newton Walker, Darden received his professional teaching certification of the Umfundalai dance technique in February 2021.

Sevon Becker-Wright

Sevon Becker-Wright is an innovative and passionate artist based out of Philadelphia. Her journey started at Pebblebrook High School’s Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA) as a vocal major but took a turn and found her love for movement.

Her choreographic journey began in Atlanta, Georgia where she presented work at schools, local shows, and in an internship with Dance Canvas. After graduating, Sevon took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia to pursue a career as a choreographer and dance educator. She then performed with Merge Dance Company, Femme Collective, Speak 2 My Soul, Kathanga Dance Company, Fringe Festival’s Sprout (2019), Chocolate Ballerina and in several performances in collaboration with AniMalayaworks. In pursuit of her dream, Burgundy Blue Dance was born in October of 2018. Her first works were presented at RAW natural born artists showcase “Magnify” and “Ovation” in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theater. Then presented two shows, Dine & Dance and Heaven ANd Hell as well several dance films before taking a long break due to the pandemic.

As a choreographer her intentions are to create art that is thought provoking, raw and relatable to audience members. Sevon strives to create environments full of expression and passion that feel fresh, new, and push the envelope when it comes to the format of traditional theater. As a lover of all art forms, she aims to fuse elements of different styles of dance and art as well as build community between artists and audiences where we can all share experiences together as humans. Sevon is ecstatic to be sharing This with work you today and honored to have such amazing, grounded, and thoughtful artists.

 

Kathryn Schweingruber

Kathryn Schweingruber is a dancer, teacher and choreographer from Philadelphia, PA.

She grew up training at Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center and went on to earn a B.S in Dance from Drexel University. She is trained in Modern, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz and African Dance techniques. Throughout her time at Drexel, Kathryn performed in works by Sandra Parks, Jennifer Morley, Dinita Clark, Cachet Ivey, Miriam Giguere and Brendan Fernandes. Kathryn has choreographed works for Drexel Dance Ensemble, FreshDance, fusion2, Penn Dance Company and Philadelphia Dance Academy.

She’s attended summer programs at Earl Mosley’s Institute for the Arts, Philadanco and Urban Bush Women’s Summer Leadership Institute. After graduating, Kathryn spent two years as an ArtistYear Resident Teaching Artist at Samuel Fels High School. She most recently was a member of Academy of Phresh Performance Company directed by Smart Mark and Shanika QP. Currently, Kathryn is a member of Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble, is on faculty with Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center and Sound Space Performing Arts.


Student Matinees

Students throughout the Philadelphia area are invited to attend school-day matinees of select Philadelphia Ballet programs. This one-of-a-kind experience provides an up-close look at a professional ballet. These experiences are supplemented with curriculum guides and interactive educational programming at the beginning of the program and during intermission, helping prepare students for attendance and fostering a deeper understanding of ballet and its stories. 

Nutcracker Curriculum Guide

 

NUTCRACKERSWAN LAKE

Students with Disabilities

Adaptive Dance (MADE) 

Programs for individuals with all abilities, MADE (Movement, Access, Dance Enrichment), encompasses partnership with St. Katherine Day School in Wynnewood to offer regular dance classes for students ages 5-16 and at Philadelphia Ballet studios to provide a weekly class for students with developmental disabilities ages 10-16.  Studies continue to show that exposure to dance increases social and physical functions of participating students, equipping them with the tools for physical fitness and relationships with others.

LEARN MORE

Specific Objectives:  

  • Provide access to opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy creative movement and ballet classes
  • Increase range of social and physical interactions of participating students 
  • Use dance as a tool to further communication and emotional expression in students 
  • Provide dance instruction that is specialized for this population and connects Philadelphia Ballet’s artistic resources  

Meet Your Teacher

Sarah Stevenson-Price

 

 

Adults

Blind and Low Vision Accessible Dance Classes

Philadelphia Ballet provides weekly classes for blind and low vision clients of Visionlink. As part of this partnership, regular visits to performances at the Academy of Music are included for participants to enjoy audio described Philadelphia Ballet season programs.

Specific Objectives:

  • Provide access to audio described performances at the Academy of Music for Visionlink clients to connect Philadelphia Ballet’s artistic resources to our visually impaired audience
  • Provide modified dance instruction that is tailored to the specific needs of the Visionlink clientele

Meet Your Teacher

Karen Pendergrass

Karen was born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia. While attending Temple University, Karen began her studies in dance. From there she joined the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO), becoming a principal in 1974. Karen is an art educator for forty years, serving as adjunct instructor of dance at Drexel University and Artistic/Program Director for the Point Breeze Performing Arts Center and Director for the Salem Baptist Praise Dance Ensemble, as well as long term teaching artist for Philadelphia Ballet. 

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Meet the Ballet

Philadelphia Ballet comprises a team of dedicated professionals—each one devoted to bringing you the most thrilling and inspired works ballet has to offer.

The School

School of Philadelphia Ballet offers the highest caliber dance education of any program in the Greater Philadelphia area, providing our students with exceptional technical training and unparalleled performance opportunities.