Philadelphia contemporary dance company BalletX will host eight free Friday evening programs at its Washington Avenue studio between October 2026 and June 2027, pairing beginner and intermediate ballet instruction with a rotating roster of other dance styles.
Every class is open to the public at no charge. Registration is required due to limited space.
The series, called Free Fridays, is presented by PNC Arts Alive, according to BalletX. Each session runs two back-to-back one-hour classes.
The first slot, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., features ballet taught by BalletX company members.
A second class, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., introduces a different style led by guest artists drawn from Philadelphia’s broader dance community. No prior experience is required for either class.
The Full Eight-Month Schedule
The series kicks off October 2, 2026, with Eli Alford and Jonathan Montepara leading the ballet session and Rylee Locker teaching Beginner Vogue Femme Elements.
November 6 pairs Meredith Rainey on ballet with a Lindy Hop 101 class led by Mike McDermott and Kate Holden of Jazz Attack.
December 4 brings Savannah Green and April Watson to the ballet class, followed by Beginning Contemporary Movement with Eileen Kim.
After a January break, February 5, 2027 offers an Adult Dance for Health and Joy workshop with Sharon Friedler and Jon Sherman.
Salsa comes to the studio on March 5, when Shana Heidorn of Society Hill Dance Academy leads Step, Spin and Sway: Salsa 101.
April 9 features a creative workshop called Inside the Movement with Mthuthuzeli November.
May 7 closes out the spring with a One Dance, One Philly Workshop by BalletX teaching artists.
The final session is June 4, when the second-slot class shifts to The Line Dance Social, led by Alaya Freeman.
Classes Are Free. Spots Are Not Unlimited.
BalletX has emphasized that while participation carries no cost, class sizes are capped. Prospective attendees can register for individual dates or all eight sessions through the BalletX website.
PhillyVoice reported that the program spans ballet, voguing, Lindy Hop, salsa, and additional styles across the season.
The company describes the series as part of its commitment to making dance accessible across Philadelphia and to connecting residents with local artists.
The Washington Avenue studio serves as BalletX’s home base. All eight Fridays follow the same two-class format.