Philadelphia Ballet celebrated the grand opening of its beautiful new home Thursday evening, and what a spectacular addition to Philadelphia’s cultural scene!
The building faces Broad Street, but the entrance is thoughtfully located on Wood Street, allowing guests, especially children on school trips, to enter safely without disrupting traffic. I love the etchings of the ballet dancers on the “curtain” wall. Above you can see the dance studio.
I had the pleasure of attending the opening soirée, reconnecting with familiar faces, and getting a firsthand look at a building that is so much more than a place to rehearse and perform. It’s a home for the dancers, the organization, and the next generation of ballet lovers.
Congratulations to Artistic Director Ángel Corella (l), Executive Director Shelly Power (center), the Philadelphia Ballet team, and the generous supporters who helped make this dream a reality.
What impressed me most was how thoughtfully the building was designed. Every space seems to have a purpose, from the spacious rehearsal studios and dedicated rooms for costumes and shoes to the physical therapy facilities that support the dancers’ demanding work.
And then there’s the spectacular, light-filled studio overlooking Broad Street! Its floor is the same size as the Academy of Music stage, allowing dancers to rehearse in a space that mirrors where they’ll perform. How brilliant is that?
The new five-story Center for Dance also includes a Dance Innovation Lab, gathering spaces, and opportunities for the community to experience ballet in a more intimate setting. It’s wonderful to see a building designed not only for the artists but also for the people who love and support them. The photo above is the newly named Barbara Weisberger Innovation Lab: Dance Innovation Lab Features: A versatile, multi-purpose space designed for rehearsals, community events, VIP gatherings, and performances, mirroring the expansive layout needed for major stage productions. (this is the space located on Broad Street with the metal wall that is reminisce of a curtain on the outside.)
The new Philadelphia Ballet Center for Dance was designed by Varenhorst Architects, led by architect Stephen Varenhorst, AIA – above
Guests explored the new building, enjoyed performances by Philadelphia Ballet artists, and celebrated this exciting new chapter for one of our city’s treasured cultural institutions.
What a beautiful night for the Ballet and for Philadelphia!
Want to see it for yourself? Philadelphia Ballet is hosting a FREE community open house tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at 323 North Broad Street. Enjoy performances, tours, family activities, and a look inside this extraordinary new home.
More information: Philadelphia Ballet Grand Opening Celebration
More photos from this event will be in CBSPhilly this weekend, and the November issue of Main Line Today, and Philly Style Magazine.
