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BalletX to break ground on South Philly studios

A flexible space that can be configured as one large studio or two smaller ones will host rehearsals and classes, and offer visiting choreographers room to create new works.

BalletX will break ground next Tuesday on a new studio, the Center for World Premiere Choreography, at 1923 Washington Ave. (Artist’s rendering by ISA)
BalletX will break ground next Tuesday on a new studio, the Center for World Premiere Choreography, at 1923 Washington Ave. (Artist’s rendering by ISA)Read moreArtist's rendering by ISA

After 12 years of moving from studio to studio in search of rehearsal space, BalletX is getting a home of its own. On Nov. 14, the company will break ground for the Center for World Premiere Choreography at 1923 Washington Ave.

"It's been a long-time dream of mine to build a home for BalletX," said artistic and executive director Christine Cox, a former Pennsylvania Ballet dancer.

The 5,000-foot former auto shop and furniture store will house one large 43- by 70-ft. studio that can be divided into two. The larger of the two spaces will be similar in size to the stage at the Wilma Theater, where BalletX is resident dance company. The company will use it for morning company class and rehearsal.

One of the company's missions is to commission new work, and CWPC will also give visiting choreographers space to create ballets. "I see it as a laboratory that's pushing contemporary ballet into the future," Cox said.

Renovations are expected to run through the winter for an anticipated opening by spring.