The UK Debut of BalletX: A Q&A with Artistic & Executive Director, Christine Cox.
- Olivia Godwin
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Your insight into the UK Debut of BalletX, performing Big Ones, choreographed by Trey McIntyre, and performed by company dancers, Francesca Forcella & Jared Kelly. You can catch BalletX on stage at Ballet Nights 007: Pillars & Pioneers on April 1st at Cadogan Hall, Sloane Square.
BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, unites artistic innovation with technical excellence to forge new works of athleticism, emotion, and grace. Founded in 2005 and led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, the company has commissioned over 75 choreographers from around the world to produce 140 world premieres that are “fresh, inclusive, and connect to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen). With a versatile and diverse ensemble of 16 dancers, hailed as “among America’s best” by The New York Times, BalletX pushes the boundaries of classical ballet to tell today’s stories with passion, creativity, and exuberance.
As a vibrant global incubator for artistic talent, the company makes ballet accessible and inviting, captivating audiences at prestigious venues including The Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, The Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Through performances, international touring, and meaningful community outreach, BalletX creates extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection.
At Ballet Nights 007: Pillars & Pioneers, their UK Debut, BalletX’s Francesca Forcella and Jared Kelly will perform excerpts from Trey McIntyre’s Big Ones. A vibrant ballet set to the music of Amy Winehouse, the piece explores the complexities of fame, vulnerability, and human connection through McIntyre’s signature blend of dynamic movement and emotional storytelling.
Our publicist, Judy Lipsey, sat down with Artistic & Executive Director of BalletX, Christine Cox, to find out a little bit more about their upcoming UK Debut:
When BalletX performs at Ballet Nights in April, it’ll be during the company’s 20th year – exciting! Are you planning any celebrations in London while you’re here?
Yes, we are incredibly excited to be performing at Ballet Nights in London during our 20th year! The celebration will truly be our performance itself. We are over the moon to bring a piece of our work to London, especially highlighting the incredible music of Amy Winehouse. It’s an exciting opportunity to share our artistry and mark this milestone on the international stage.
How has BalletX changed and evolved since you and Matthew Neenan formed the company in 2005?
BalletX has evolved in so many exciting ways since Matthew and I first founded the company. When we started, we were driven by a passion to create something that felt fresh and exciting in the world of ballet. Over the years, we’ve really doubled down on our commitment to commissioning new works, and it’s been such a joy to support choreographers from all over the world.
The company’s grown into a place where artists can dream big and push boundaries, and I think that’s what sets us apart. When Matthew stepped away from his leadership role about ten years ago, I had the opportunity to build a team around the vision we’ve created, and it’s been such a rewarding journey. We’re focused on creating extraordinary dance experiences that inspire human connection, and it’s been amazing to see how BalletX has grown both artistically and as a company.
Tell us a bit about ‘Big Ones’ and Trey McIntyre and the dancers we’ll be seeing at Ballet Nights.
Trey McIntyre is a visionary choreographer who brings an incredible depth to his work, using iconic music to explore unexpected emotional depths. These duets from Trey’s “Big Ones” are to the music of Amy Winehouse, and her voice really sets the tone for the entire piece. It adds a unique layer to the work - there’s something so vulnerable and edgy about Amy’s voice that speaks directly to the complexity of the characters.
The duets focus on solitude and inner emotional conflict, and the music enhances that, pulling out the contrasts between longing, regret, and resilience. Trey has such a gift for interpreting music in unexpected ways, and these songs give him the perfect backdrop to delve into those emotional depths. It’s an incredibly powerful combination of music and movement, and I’m really excited for audiences to experience it.
You have said ‘ballet is for everyone’; what do you think London audiences will love about BalletX’s performance at Ballet Nights?
I truly believe that London audiences will appreciate BalletX’s performance because of the depth and relevance of the work we bring to the stage. Our company has always operated under the belief that ballet is for everyone, and I think that message will resonate deeply with the London crowd.
BalletX is not bound by tradition—we blend classical technique with contemporary expression, making our work accessible while still pushing the boundaries of what ballet can be. Our performances are about telling stories that speak to universal human experiences, creating emotional connections that transcend cultural or artistic backgrounds.
London audiences are known for their discerning taste and appreciation for innovation in the arts, and I believe they will be captivated by the way BalletX breaks down the walls between traditional and modern dance. We explore complex themes with sincerity and rawness, and the emotional depth we bring to our pieces is something I think Londoners will connect with immediately.
Whether it’s the gritty, vulnerable energy of Trey McIntyre’s “Big Ones” or the powerful storytelling of our other works, our performances invite audiences to experience ballet in a new, more personal way. We’re excited to introduce London to the artistry of BalletX, and I am confident that our commitment to human connection through dance will make a lasting impact.
Are you excited about your UK premiere?
Absolutely! We’re beyond excited about our UK premiere at Ballet Nights. It’s such an honor to share our work on a new stage in front of a new audience. London has such a rich dance culture, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.
And how did you connect with Ballet Nights/Jamiel Devernay-Laurence in the first place?
Our connection with Ballet Nights and Jamiel Devernay-Laurence began through a shared vision for contemporary ballet. Jamiel and I both believe in pushing the boundaries of the form, and when he invited us to be a part of the program, it felt like the perfect opportunity to share our work with London audiences. We’re so grateful for this collaboration and the chance to work with such passionate individuals.
And to finish things off, tell us five things you always take on tour!
Photos of my family – Having pictures of my two wonderful sons with me helps keep me grounded and connected to home, especially when I’m far away.
Comfortable shoes – I’m always on my feet, whether for rehearsals or exploring a new city, so I need shoes that can handle it all.
My BalletX t-shirt – It’s my favorite piece of comfort while on tour, and it reminds me of our incredible company and all the hard work we do together!
A playlist of my favorite music – Whether I need to pump myself up before a performance or relax after a long day, music is always with me.
My phone – For all the logistics, keeping in touch with the team, and, of course, staying connected to family.
With Ballet Nights 007: Pillars & Pioneers fast approaching, book now to see the UK Debut of BalletX in Trey McIntyre's Big Ones alongside a star-studded cast!
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