Poster advertising 'Breaking Ground' dance performance by Philadelphia dance theatre, scheduled for June 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM. It features images of dancers performing on stage and outdoors, with information about the free outdoor performance held at PDT Summer Stage, 7500 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA. There is a QR code at the bottom right corner.

Breaking Ground

Saturday, June 7th 2025. 7:00 PM

Free community performance

PDT Summer Stage

7500 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119

Philadelphia Dance Theatre presents Breaking Ground; an annual performance featuring new works from classical to contemporary commissioned specifically for the individual talents of PDT's dance artists. The concert presents works choreographed by today's most talented dance-makers and highlights the broad range of styles that PDT's training provides.

  • Audience members are welcome to BYOB.

  • Chairs will be provided. You are welcome to bring a picnic blanket if you prefer.

Breaking Ground is one of Philadelphia Dance Theatre’s most meaningful and impactful community outreach events. It brings our mission to life—making concert dance accessible while providing our dancers with valuable performance experience.

As a non-profit organization, PDT is committed to creating opportunities not just for our dancers, but for the community we serve. Each year, we proudly offer this special performance free of charge to PDT families, friends, and local residents.

Held outdoors on the beautiful campus of New Covenant Church, Breaking Ground features a dynamic mix of new works by diverse choreographers. While well-known ballets like The Nutcracker attract large audiences, mixed repertory programs often go unnoticed simply because they lack name recognition. Breaking Ground is our way of challenging that mindset and inviting the community to experience the excitement and artistry of contemporary concert dance.

Of course, producing this event involves real costs—materials, labor, sound technicians, marketing, and more. To help offset expenses, we’ll offer concessions, raffle baskets, and picnic boxes at the event.

Your support helps keep Breaking Ground free and accessible to all—and moves us closer to our mission of changing lives through dance.

Two female ballet dancers performing on stage in front of a stone wall with green ivy. One dancer is wearing a gold bodice and beige skirt, and the other is dressed in a brown bodice and beige skirt. Both are en pointe, with joyful expressions, and arms raised in ballet poses.

  • Picnic Boxes

    Support Breaking Ground—Pre-Order a Picnic Meal!


    Enjoy the performance with a delicious picnic-style dinner, available by pre-order.

    Additional snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

    Please place your order by May 30, 2025.

    All proceeds support Breaking Ground and help keep this community event free for all!

  • A charcuterie board with cheese, cured meats, grapes, berries, olives, crackers, honey, and nuts.

    Charcuterie Boxes

    Enjoy a curated selection featuring three artisan cheeses, one cured meat, and a variety of flavorful accoutrements.

    Your choice of:
    • Small baguette
    • Gluten-free crackers

    Includes a complimentary cocktail or mocktail at pick-up.


    Orders close May 30th at 11:45 PM.

    Order Now!
  • Assorted fresh vegetables including cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, peppers, and greens, with bowls of creamy dips on a wooden surface.

    Crudités Boxes

    A vibrant assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, paired with creamy hummus and a light nut mix.

    Your choice of:
    • Mini pita bread
    • Gluten-free crackers

    Includes a complimentary cocktail or mocktail at pick-up.

    Orders close May 30th at 11:45 PM

    Order Now!

Purchase flowers for your dancer!

The PDT Parent Guild will be selling flowers at the performance to audience members to gift to their dancer. Pre-order your dancer's flowers and pick them up at the performance while supporting PDT!

A limited number of bouquets will be available to purchase at the performance. Pre-orders are preferred.

A bouquet of mixed flowers including orange and pink roses, small white daisies, purple delphiniums, and green leaves against a white background.

Meet the Choreographers

 Media

Six young ballet dancers performing on stage outdoors, dressed in maroon and white leotards and skirts, with a stone wall and greenery in the background.
A ballet dancer performing a pose on an outdoor stage with a brick wall and green ivy backdrop.
A woman in a pink dress performing a dance pose on stage with two children in the background, one in a white dress and the other in a blue dress, near a brick wall and green foliage.
A dancer in a red dress performing a ballet move on stage, with a stone wall and foliage in the background.
Two ballet dancers practicing in a dance studio, executing an arabesque pose, with a brick wall and greenery in the background.
Three ballet dancers performing on stage, with a background of a stone wall and foliage, one dancer in black dress with arms extended, and two dancers in white shirts and black pants supporting a third dancer in an extended pose.
A group of young female ballet dancers wearing purple costumes performing a synchronized dance on an outdoor stage with a stone wall and greenery in the background, as an audience watches.
A group of young female dancers dressed in black leotards, fishnet tights, black hats, and tap shoes, performing a tap dance routine on a stage with a stone wall and foliage background.
A group of young women in colorful dance costumes performing a choreographed dance routine on stage with a stone wall backdrop.
Six young ballet dancers in maroon and pink costumes practicing on a stage with stone and greenery backdrop.
Group of performers in black and white clothing dancing on stage with an audience watching
A woman dancing outdoors on a paved surface near a stone wall and greenery, wearing a two-tone shirt and black pants, balancing on her right foot with arms extended.
Group of female dancers in black and white costumes with red socks practicing dance outdoors, standing on a performance stage against a stone wall backdrop.
Two young ballet dancers in maroon costumes and white tights practicing on a wooden stage with a stone and ivy wall background.