Top Places To See Ballet In Philadelphia

So you've never seen "The Nutcracker" live, and you've always wanted to see Clara dance with the Mouse King. Or maybe you've seen "The Nutcracker" too many times, and you want to see what other ballet performances Philadelphia has to offer. Luckily, Philadelphia has a vibrant performing arts scene. No matter your budget or the degree of excellence you demand, there's something in Philly for everyone.

BalletX
265 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 546-7824
www.balletx.org

BalletX is a cutting-edge company with unique choreography that introduces audiences to new forms of classical dance. This daring, avant-garde company shows that ballet doesn't have to be stuffy or old-fashioned. BalletX has been the resident dance company of The Wilma Theater since the fall of 2007. If you're looking for something new and innovative, this is the company for you.

The Philadelphia Youth Ballet
219 Cuthbert St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-2422
www.philadelphiadanceacademy.com

The Philadelphia Youth Ballet has been inspiring both audiences and young dancers in The Philadelphia Dance Academy's Pre-Professional program for years. Each June, the Philadelphia Youth Ballet presents excerpts from classical story ballets as part of its spring showcase, but the big event is usually the production of "The Nutcracker" in December. If you're looking for a great version of classic ballets at a low price, this is the group for you.

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International Ballet Exchange
38 E Schoolhouse Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 849-7950
www.internationalballet.org

The International Ballet Exchange has been providing Philadelphia ballet students an opportunity to study with seasoned ballet masters from around the world since 1998. Moreover, this company provides audiences with an opportunity to attend low-cost ballet performances by top Russian ballet companies as well as free final performances by students. Like The Philadelphia Youth Ballet, this company's main showcase is also the performance of "The Nutcracker" each December. Attend both to compare how the same story can be told in different ways. If you want to see ballet masters at reduced rates, this is the company for you.

Ballet Fleming
1802 S Broad St, 2^nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 454-2858
www.balletfleming.org

Ballet Fleming was established in 2010 by its artistic director, Christopher Fleming. Audiences love Ballet Fleming's non-traditional, innovative and artistic productions. Ballet Fleming's performances are often set to contemporary music, and the costumes are not simply your traditional tutu. The 2012-2013 season schedule has not yet been released, but check back on the website for updated information about performances. This is the group for you if you're looking to see work by an exciting new company.

Metropolitan Ballet Academy
700 Cedar Road
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215) 663-1665
www.metropolitanballetacademy.com

The Metropolitan Ballet Academy is a classical ballet school serving both children and adults. Founder and Artistic Director Lisa Collins Vidnovic was a dancer and Ballet Mistress with the renowned Pennsylvania Ballet for 10 years. The summer months are packed full with classes and performances, so lace up those toe shoes and either try for yourself or get your kids involved. With its Family Concert Series and other performances throughout the year, this is the company for anyone looking to see top-notch students at low prices.

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Katherine Ernst is a full-time novelist and freelance writer in Montgomery County. Follow her activity on her blog at katherineernstwrites.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.