Philadelphia Ballet Debuts Dance at Great Velocity

The program brings works by renowned choreographers to the Academy of Music stage through Sunday.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Dance

Satin pointe shoes resting on a dark stage floor in front of crimson curtains and ornate gold theater architecture. — Philadelphia Ballet debuted its Dance at Great Velocity series Thursday at the Academy of Music, featuring works by three acclaimed choreographers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Philadelphia Ballet launched its Dance at Great Velocity series on Thursday night at the Academy of Music. The performance highlights three ballets by Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon, and Twyla Tharp.

Why it matters

The program, named after Christopher Wheeldon's DGV: Danse à Grande Vitesse, showcases a high-energy collection of modern choreography. It also marks a transition for the company as it utilizes guest conductors and adjusts casting due to injury.

The production includes Twyla Tharp's 1986 work In the Upper Room and features seven guest conductors throughout the current season. Tickets are currently available for purchase in a range of $24.25 to $269.08.

The players

Philadelphia Ballet

This is a prominent professional ballet company based in Philadelphia.

Angel Corella

He is the artistic director of the Philadelphia Ballet who recently promoted Pau Pujol.

Pau Pujol

He is a dancer from Spain who was recently promoted to the rank of principal dancer.

Ming Luke

He is the conductor leading the orchestra for the current dance program.

Yuka Iseda

She is a dancer who stepped in to perform in the DGV ballet following an injury.

The details

The performances feature percussionists positioned in boxes on either side of the stage and utilize costumes designed by Norma Kamali. Amidst the production, Yuka Iseda replaced an injured Oksana Maslova in the DGV ballet, while artistic director Angel Corella promoted Pau Pujol to principal dancer.

The program opened on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
The production runs through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room was originally choreographed in 1986.

Industry Dynamics

The inclusion of Twyla Tharp's 1986 In the Upper Room provides a historical benchmark for contemporary ballet athleticism. This program follows a pattern established by the company to pair modern technical works with established, high-velocity historical masterpieces.

Attendees can catch the performances at the Academy of Music through Sunday. Ticket pricing spans a wide range, offering various access points for the community to view the guest-conducted program.

The takeaway

The Philadelphia Ballet continues to adapt its casting and musical leadership while maintaining its rigorous performance standards. Patrons looking to attend should note the ongoing search for a permanent conductor which may influence future production schedules.