Let's Dance Students Showcase First-Ever Performance in Philadelphia Ballet's Brand-New Dance Innovation Lab

May 2026

This year, the Reliance Matrix Foundation Let’s Dance Program was expanded to include 4th and 5th grade students from two of our participating schools, Pan American Academy Charter and Folk Arts Cultural Treasures (FACTs).

While our 6th to 8th grade and high school students performed in March at Drexel University’s Mandell Theater, our younger 4th and 5th students showcased their dance moves in Philadelphia Ballet’s brand-new Dance Innovation Lab in May. This was the first ever performance in this venue.

The Let’s Dance Program includes twice weekly after school dance classes led by professional dancers. In partnership with Philadelphia Ballet, the program offers a well-rounded curriculum that introduces students to a range of dance styles, including classical ballet, modern, hip hop, Latin, and African dance. Our younger students performed dances in all these styles in front of a packed audience of family and friends.  Our middle school students from FACTs treated the crowd to an encore performance of some of the dances they performed back in March at the Mandell Theater.

Philadelphia Ballet has long been celebrated as one of the leading dance companies in the United States. Over the last several years, the Ballet has been constructing a world class center for dance that reflects the excellence of their work and shines as a beacon in the heart of the community they serve. The new six-story building significantly increases rehearsal space, administrative offices, features a costume center, a physical training center, and a reception and gallery space. The new multi-purpose Dance Innovation Lab is suitable for community and special events, film screenings, and educational performances for 120 to 150 people. The building will officially open in September 2026.