BalletX Celebrates 20 Years with Neenan Retrospective

The contemporary ballet company's co-founder and artistic icon returns with an all-Neenan program at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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BalletX, the contemporary ballet company co-founded by Matthew Neenan, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special program featuring Neenan's choreographic works. The engagement at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre from March 18-22 will showcase Neenan's impact on the company, including the world premiere of his 28th piece for BalletX, as well as the return of two defining works from his repertoire over the past two decades.

Why it matters

Neenan's journey mirrors the growth of BalletX, which has become a leading voice in contemporary ballet. The company's ability to thrive for 20 years, building a loyal audience and attracting top-tier dancers, is a testament to Neenan's artistic vision and the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of the art form.

The details

The program will feature the world premiere of Neenan's new work "Squares," which he describes as "going back to basics" with a focus on form, clarity and visuals. It will also include the return of two of Neenan's most beloved ballets, "Broke Apart" and "Show Me," which showcase his signature style of emotional and physical intimacy, theatrical flair, and deep connection between dancers and audience.

  • BalletX was co-founded by Neenan and Christine Cox in the early 2000s.
  • The company's 20th Anniversary Retrospective took place earlier this year.
  • The upcoming engagement at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre runs from March 18-22, 2026.

The players

Matthew Neenan

The co-founder and longtime choreographer of BalletX, who has created 28 world premieres for the company over the past 20 years.

Christine Cox

The co-founder of BalletX, who met Neenan while they were both dancers with the Pennsylvania Ballet (now Philadelphia Ballet).

Scott Ordway

The award-winning composer who collaborated with Neenan on the world premiere work "Squares."

Christopher Ash

The celebrated lighting and set designer who worked with Neenan on "Squares."

Joanna Newsom

The musician whose music is featured in Neenan's ballet "Broke Apart."

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What they’re saying

“To see it grow into what it is now has been amazing. When we first started, we didn't have dancers on a full contract. A lot of them lived in New York as freelance dancers. They were sleeping on our couches. Now dancers have a 52-week contract and their own apartments and they live in Philly. Those milestones take time.”

— Matthew Neenan, Co-founder, BalletX (southphillyreview.com)

“I kind of wanted to invade a territory that I haven't been in yet or haven't been in a while with a new composition. It's kind of going back to basics for me, using a large group of dancers. The piece is called 'Squares' so it's very geometric with a lot about form and clarity and visuals.”

— Matthew Neenan, Co-founder, BalletX (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

The March 19 event will feature an interactive Post-Show Curtain Chat with Neenan live on stage following the performance. The March 20 event will include a BalletX Young Patrons Circle celebration with discounted tickets and an afterparty.

The takeaway

BalletX's 20-year journey under the artistic leadership of Matthew Neenan demonstrates the company's ability to thrive and innovate within the contemporary ballet landscape, building a loyal following and attracting top-tier dancers to Philadelphia.