BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, presents an evening of extraordinary dance with a dynamic program of three works never before performed together. Exploring themes of love, identity, self-expression, and community, Honey, Macaroni, and Big Wig push the boundaries of movement and emotion in bold, breathtaking ways.

The evening opens with Honey by Jamar Roberts, featuring three duets set to the beautifully decadent music of legendary pianist Don Shirley and described as “beautifully stirring” by the Broad Street Review. From the pierce passion of young love, to the power plays of relationship dynamics, to aspirational love, all three vignettes speak to the complexity of the human heart and our never-ending quest for love and human connection.  

Next comes the mesmerizing Macaroni by Loughlan Prior, hailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer as “a wildly entertaining ride”. Inspired by the late-18th-century term used to mock flamboyant, gender-bending style, the work shines a light on a fascinating chapter of queer history. Through theatrical flair, camp humor, and poignant storytelling, Macaroni reclaims the word with wit, style, and pride.

The program concludes with the bold and whimsical Big Wig by choreographer Marguerite Donlon, praised as “devilishly whirlish” by Fjord Review. Drawing on memories of her childhood in Ireland—where the lively footwork of Irish dance meets its famously restrained upper body—Big Wig blends tradition with contemporary movement in a vibrant celebration of imagination, transformation, and the joyful freedom of dance.