The Experience
Sought after nationally and internationally, PHILADANCO! tours the world as Philadelphia’s unofficial ambassador. Schedule your Philadelphia visit around one of its home runs, because whether they are swirling in ankle-length chiffon to music by Ravel in La Valse or strutting Black Panther attitude in Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s Hand Singing Song, PHILADANCO!’s dancers blaze across the stage with the joy of dancing.
Popular works by great African-American choreographers like Bebe Miller, Ronald K. Brown and David Brown that sometimes deal with issues of black history are regularly programmed. Now the resident dance company at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater, this largely African-American company is expanding its repertoire, commissioning choreographers like Trey McIntyre, Danny Ezralow and Alonzo King.
History
Since starting her company in 1970, Joan Myers Brown has been a national force majeure for African American dance. Brown’s (the dancers call her Aunt Joan or JB) chief concern is always the artistic quality. More than 600 dancers a year audition for PHILADANCO!’s scarce openings. The few who are chosen are chosen for their artistry and dedication.