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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261204T070000
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UID:2936-1796367600-1796565600@philadanco.org
SUMMARY:For The Love Of Philly!
DESCRIPTION:PHILADANCO! and Philadelphia International Records are coming together for a powerful project celebrating Philadelphia’s artistic soul\, cultural memory\, and enduring global influence. For the Love of Philly is an electrifying collaboration that honors the city’s unparalleled contributions to music\, dance\, and Black cultural innovation through a dynamic fusion of movement and sound. \nSet to the iconic music of Philadelphia International Records featuring legendary voices that includes Patti LaBelle\, Teddy Pendergrass\, The O’Jays\, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes\, and more\, the evening features world premiere works by Rennie Harris and Dawn Marie Bazemore alongside returning works by Gene Hill Sagan and Tommie-Waheed Evans\, as well as a reimagined classic by Dwight Rhoden. Together\, these choreographic voices create an evening rooted in rhythm\, resilience\, sensuality\, social consciousness\, and communal joy. \nAt its heart\, For the Love of Philly is a tribute to the visionaries who transformed Philadelphia into a global cultural force. The production honors the extraordinary legacies of Joan Myers Brown\, founder and artistic advisor of PHILADANCO!\, and Philadelphia International Records founders Kenneth Gamble\, Leon Huff\, and Thom Bell. Through dance and music\, the evening celebrates how these pioneering artists reshaped the cultural landscape\, amplified Black artistry on the world stage\, and created enduring models of excellence\, innovation\, and community empowerment. \nExtending far beyond the stage\, For the Love of Philly begins the moment audiences enter the theater through a fully immersive lobby installation experience. Designed to “set the stage” for the evening\, the installation invites attendees to explore the rich histories and lasting impact of both PHILADANCO! and Philadelphia International Records (TSOP) through archival photography\, audio and video stations\, historical artifacts\, award reproductions\, and interactive reflection spaces. Audience members will be invited to engage with stories\, memories\, and personal responses\, transforming the theater into a living celebration of Philadelphia’s creative lineage and cultural power. \nFor the Love of Philly is more than a performance. It is a love letter to a city. A celebration of artistry\, heritage\, and Black cultural excellence. A reminder that Philadelphia has long been and continues to be a heartbeat of American culture. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChoreographers telling Philadelphia Stories \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWorld Premieres \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRennie Harris \nA 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDawn Marie Bazemore \nIn 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturning \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGene Hill Sagan \nA 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTommie-Waheed Evans \nAlso 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReimagined \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDwight Rhoden \nA 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCelebrating Joan Myers Browns 95th Birthday \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTo reserve your Birthday Package tickets\,\nplease call PHILADANCO! \n215 – 387 – 8200 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening 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.\nAs 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.
URL:https://philadanco.org/event/for-the-love-of-philly/
LOCATION:PA
CATEGORIES:Community event,Fundraising,Other,Performances,Touring
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://philadanco.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/img2879_orig.webp
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