Philadelphia-based contemporary ballet company Ballet X recently announced a $7.4 million bequest from one of its long-time supporters, Dr. Joan DeJean, who passed away in December. DeJean was a professor of Romance languages at Yale University, Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania, and her support for the ballet company dated back to Ballet X’s early days. The company plans to use the funds to support its strategic plan, which calls for more investment in its dancers, choreographers, musicians and other artists, and an expansion of its reach through increased touring and Philadelphia-based initiatives.
A Tempo host Rachel Katz chats with Ballet X Co-Founder and Artistic and Executive Director Christine Cox about these plans, the company’s plans for its 20th anniversary season, and DeJean’s relationship with and support for Ballet X.
