For The Love Of Philly!

Choreographers telling Philadelphia Stories

World Premieres

Rennie Harris

A new creation by Rennie Harris, set to The O’Jays’ landmark recording Message in Our Music, explores the power of collective voice, community, and cultural memory. Drawing inspiration from themes of unity, resilience, and social consciousness, Harris transforms the stage into a dynamic reflection of Philadelphia’s spirit, blending his celebrated movement language with the enduring message of one of the city’s most influential musical legacies.

Dawn Marie Bazemore

In a new work inspired by When Will I See You Again and other beloved Philadelphia soul classics, Dawn Marie Bazemore creates a heartfelt tribute to Joan Myers Brown. Incorporating Brown’s voice through original interviews woven into the score, the work reflects on mentorship, perseverance, and artistic lineage while celebrating a visionary whose influence continues to shape generations of dancers and cultural leaders.

Returning

Gene Hill Sagan

A returning audience favorite, Gene Hill Sagan’s Sweet Agony is set to the soulful sounds of Philadelphia native Teddy Pendergrass. Rich with passion, vulnerability, and romance, the work highlights Sagan’s signature blend of ballet, modern, and jazz influences through sweeping movement and expressive partnering. Decades after its creation, Sweet Agony remains a timeless celebration of love, musicality, and emotional depth.

Tommie-Waheed Evans

Also returning is Promise Me You Won’t Call by Tommie-Waheed Evans, a haunting and visually striking meditation on love, loss, and release. Set to a deconstructed soundscape inspired by the voice of Patti LaBelle, the work moves between longing and acceptance, creating an immersive world where memory, ritual, and transformation intersect. Through evocative imagery and a distinctive choreographic vision, Evans invites audiences into a deeply human journey of letting go.

Reimagined

Dwight Rhoden

A reimagined revival of Dwight Rhoden’s Tribute brings renewed energy to a work inspired by the iconic sound of Philadelphia International Records. Set to music by The O’Jays, Billy Paul, and Teddy Pendergrass, the ballet pulses with the rhythm, confidence, and sophistication that made Philadelphia a global center of Black musical innovation. Through Rhoden’s bold and athletic choreography, Tribute celebrates the artistry, ambition, and cultural impact of a sound that continues to resonate across generations.

Celebrating Joan Myers Browns 95th Birthday

To reserve your Birthday Package tickets,
please call PHILADANCO!

215 – 387 – 8200

Opening Night will hold special significance as audiences gather to celebrate Joan Myers Brown’s 95th birthday, honoring more than six decades of visionary leadership, artistic excellence, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of Black dance.
As the founder of PHILADANCO! and one of the most influential figures in American concert dance, Brown has shaped generations of artists, expanded opportunities for dancers of color, and helped redefine the cultural landscape both nationally and internationally. This special celebration recognizes her extraordinary legacy, her enduring impact on countless artists and audiences around the world, and her continued role as a guiding force whose vision continues to inspire the future of dance.