Philadanco

DANCE CLEVELAND!
2023-11-11 19:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
PHILADANCO! makes their long-awaited return to Cleveland after more than 17 years with a thrilling program featuring a mix of contemporary dance works that highlight the versatility and spirit of PHILADANCO! Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO! is celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of predominantly African American traditions in dance. The company exhibits beautiful ballet technique alongside contemporary movement that showcases the dancers’ amazing talent. Founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, the company has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides. PHILADANCO! has become one of Philadelphia’s premier dance companies and tours internationally. Don’t miss your chance to see this electrifying season opener that will make you “fall for dance” all over again this autumn.
“PHILADANCO’s dancers are a miracle of skill and energy. They work in a range of idioms most companies don’t even try to possess…A company that can do more than just anything. It can represent the possibilities of human spirit through dance.” – Dance Magazine

Intangible Influences
2023-12-08 19:30 - 2023-12-10 16:30
Philadelphia’s favorite dance company, PHILADANCO!, returns with their thrilling new show “Intangible Influences.” This not-to-be missed weekend features the revival of a neoclassical ballet by the legendary Gene Hill Sagan; a new work by acclaimed choreographer Christopher L. Huggins; a work by Nijawwon Matthews, a PHILADANCO! alumni; and the premiere of a newly commissioned piece by Christopher Rudd that blends contemporary ballet and contemporary circus. Don’t miss your chance to see this electrifying season opener that exhibits classical ballet technique alongside contemporary movement.
Often described as “a brilliant mix of miracle of skill, energy and artistry,” “fascinating and thrilling,” and displaying “virtuoso physicality,” PHILADANCO!  dancers are among the best in the world.  PHILADANCO!  is recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers and electrifying performances.

MEET THE CHOREOGRAPHERS:

Christopher Huggins
Christopher L. Huggins is a former member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and works in Europe, Japan, the Caribbean, and throughout the U.S. as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Born in Boston, Huggins trained under Andrea Herbert-Major, Danny Sloan, and Martha Gray. He attended SUNY Purchase and The Juilliard School and was a scholarship student at The Ailey School. Mr. Huggins is a 2002 and 2008 recipient of the Alvin Ailey Award for Best Choreography from the Black Theater Alliance in Chicago for Enemy Behind the Gatesand Pyrokinesis, respectively, and has also worked on several projects for Disney in Orlando, Florida. He was a silver medalist for the 4th International Contemporary Dance Competition in Seoul, Korea. In addition to commissions for Ailey II and The Ailey School, he has also set works on universities and high schools throughout the U.S. Anointed is Mr. Huggins’ first ballet for the Company.

Nijawwon Mathews
Nijawwon Matthews is an internationally acclaimed director, choreographer, educator and dancer. He finds inspiration through collaborations and continued work with people from around the world.
Recently Nijawwon performed as a dance soloist in “Transformation: Personal Stories of Change, Acceptance, and Evolution” created by actress Glenn Close and musician Ted Nash for Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center. Nijawwon was selected as The Director’s Choice for the 2019 Dallas Black Dance Theatre season in Dallas Texas and commissioned to choreograph a new work for the company. Mr Matthews is a master teacher and who’s appeal was featured in Dance Teacher magazine. He was invited to restage his work ‘Cycles’ for The Alvin Ailey/Fordham University B.F.A. Program and is setting a new commissioned work on Marymount Manhattan College that will premiere in the Spring 2022 alongside CDT ARTS of Jamaica.
Utilizing his national and international experience as a dance educator and choreographer, Mr. Matthews is founding artistic director of the XY Dance Project. The XY Dance Project is a pre-professional company. Nijawwon has been invited to instruct master classes and choreograph new work for a host of universities and academic entities that include recent work with Yale University, Ohio State University, and Alabama State University.
Nijawwon continued desire to make good dance has extended opportunities to instruct and create for professional companies and dance institutions in the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, China, Curaçao, Finland, Germany, Italy, Peru, Poland, Singapore, South Africa, and Switzerland. Additionally, Matthews has shared his skills in theatrical performances for productions of Chicago, Footloose, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Oklahoma, while also having shared his insight with after school programs like the Partnership For Results, a community-wide after-school development program for vulnerable youth under the direction of Susan Muldoon.
As a commercial personality, Nijawwon performed in the films “In The Heights,” “Black Nativity,” and on television performing a beautiful role in works by Cirque Du Soleil for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on the PBS/Time Warner TV Special “Black Bones.” In his concert career, highlights would include legacy work by learning and performing for choreographers such as the late Donald McKayle, George Faison, Otis Sallid, Milton Myers, Kevin Iega Jeff, Gary Abbott, Christopher Huggins, and companies that include Philadanco!, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Cecilia Marta Dance Company, and several others.
Presently, Nijawwon Matthews is on faculty and a choreographer at Broadway Dance Center and the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City.

Gene Hill Sagan
Eugene Sagan, born Arthur Eugene Hill, was born on September 28, 1931 in Emporia, VA and grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He trained under the direction of Michel Panaieff and Nina Vyroubova and at the Ballet Theatre. Sagan made his debut in 1959 with the New York Negro Ballet and continued to perform with other artists such as Louis Johnson, Carmen de Lavallade, and Geoffrey Holder and with companies in Copenhagen; Stockholm; Paris; and Cologne, Germany.
Mr. Sagan choreographed his first dance in 1963 for his own group based in Munich. He later choreographed for the Philadelphia Dance Company, Pennsylvania Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the Batsheva and Bat D’or companies of Israel (where he became a resident and worked for 15 years). He was Philadanco’s resident choreographer for 15 years as well, starting in 1976. His piece Transposed Images for the Israel Classical Ballet was praised as the “most interesting choreography” of one of their 1977 shows by the San Antonio Express, though Newport’s Daily Press called his Sweet Agony a “total waste of time.”
His work was influenced by ballet, modern, and jazz dance with emphasis on slightly obscure themes and sensuous, swirling movements that suited the dancers.
Sagan died March 1, 1991 at the Albert Einstein Medical Center of respiratory failure at age 60. His ashes were buried in Israel.

Christopher Rudd
Christopher Rudd is a Jamaican-born Guggenheim Choreography Fellow, the inaugural New Victory LabWorks Launch Artist, and the creator of the groundbreaking TOUCHÉ and LIFTED for American Ballet Theatre. In hopes of bettering the world through dance, his works blend contemporary dance, contemporary circus, and theatricality to speak to relevant issues. As founder of RudduR Dance, he is a two-time Exchange Alumni through the US State Department, having presented his works in the United States, Canada, France, Trinidad and Tobago, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, and Italy. He credits the Armour Dance Theater, Dance Theater of Harlem’s Summer Intensives, and New World School of the Arts for his professional career, which includes Carolina Ballet, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montréal, and Cirque Du Soleil. Rudd has created works for the Alvin Ailey School, Duke University, and UNC School of the Arts and received residencies from CUNY Dance Initiative, Vendetta Mathea’s La Manufacture, Tofte Lake Center, Kaatsbaan, and STREB.

IABD (International Association of Blacks in Dance)
2024-01-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Orpheum Theater, 203 S. Main Street, Memphis, TN, 38103, United States
A Blues for Memphis
Founders & Invited Guests Performance
Saturday, January 27, 2024
7:30PM – 9:30PM | Orpheum Theater
Featuring works by:

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Collage Dance Collective
Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Dance Theater of Harlem
Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
Lula Washington Dance Theatre
PHILADANCO

PHILADANCO! at The Gordon Center | Owings Mills , MD
2024-02-29 19:30 - 21:30
The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!) is a nonprofit organization that presents the highest quality of professional dance performance and cultivates the skills of emerging and professional dancers and choreographers in a nurturing environment, while increasing the appreciation of dance among its many communities. Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO! is celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of predominantly African-American traditions in dance.
Tickets: $35/orchestra; $30/mezzanine $15 youth/students under 18 years old. There is a $3 per ticket fee. Senior and JCC member discounts are permitted.
THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES OF GORDON CENTER TICKETS.

The Hylton Center | Virginia
2024-03-15 20:00 - 21:30
The Philadelphia Dance Company, better known as PHILADANCO!, is widely recognized for
its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances. Formed in 1970 by
Joan Myers Brown, a barrier-breaking African American ballet dancer, PHILADANCO!
launched to provide artistic opportunities and nurture the talents of Black dancers denied places
in local dance companies. Witness one of America’s top dance companies share fresh and
fervent stories through movement. “If there’s fun to be had, PHILADANCO! will have it. But if
there’s deeper purpose, these performers will clarify it, underscore it, and make you pay
attention.” (Dance Magazine). As an Artist-in-Residence, company members will also work with
the community through classes and workshops during the week surrounding the performance.

Roots and Reflections
2024-04-12 19:30 - 2024-04-14 14:00
This spring PHILADANCO! takes a trip down memory lane, revisiting masterpieces and iconic ballets that are ingrained in the foundation of PHILADANCO!’s extraordinary legacy. Witness one of America’s top dance companies share fresh and fervent stories through movement.
The spring performances feature PHILADANCO’s most requested ballets including George Faison’s “Suite Otis” in Faison’s modern jazz style and inspired by the genius of the late Otis Redding. Ronald K. Brown’s, “Gate Keepers” is a story of homage, celebration, and an acknowledgment of conscious continuity, interconnectedness, history, tradition, and perseverance. “Pretty Is Skin Deep, Ugly to the Bone” by Talley Beatty is a modern jazz ballet in his usual style of inner-city interaction and challenge; and Harold Pierson’s “Roots & Reflections” celebrates 100 years of African American dance history.
Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO! is celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of primarily African-American traditions in dance. One of Philadelphia’s premier dance companies, PHILADANCO! has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides and producing high-energy, technically proficient dances with speed, stamina, and grace.

Legacy Conversation : Bernard Gaddis
2024-04-28 16:00 - 17:00
Join us on April 28th, 2024 for Philadanco’s next Legacy Conversation Series with Contemporary West Dance Theatre Artistic Director and Philadanco Alumni, Bernard Gaddis! This Talk Show style online event will be a wonderful opportunity to learn from relevant pioneers of the dance world today. You can register and purchase tickets with the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legacy-conversations-pioneers-in-their-craft-bernard-gaddis-tickets-847527988027?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-source=cp&fbclid=IwAR3Oc6fTK4JOi_yz6U-9ZVoGaiiJoo-qF0z5fAMIvpcPEYxYMkmJXbw8aFY&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing

AMTRAK - 30th Street Station
2024-05-03 - 2024-05-05 | 30th Street Station
PHILADANCO! will be doing a FREE Performance of “Seasons” by Francisco Gella presented by Amtrak for the “Art at Amtrak” series!
This performance will take place at 30th Street Station (2955 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 )
Performance Dates & Times are as follows:
May 3:
start at 5:00pm
start at 6:00pm
start at 7:00pm
May 4:
start at 6:15pm
start at 7:15pm
start at 8:15pm
May 5:
start at 2:00pm
start at 2:45pm
start at 4:00pm

Philadanco! Dancing in Dilworth Park
2024-05-23 18:00 - 19:00
PHILADANCO is doing a FREE performance at Dilworth Park infront of City Hall! Come and support your favorite Philadelphia Dance Company at 6:00pm for a wonderful evening from our First and Second company on Thursday May 23rd!
When: May 23, 2024
Where: Dilworth Park
Time: 6:00-7:00
How much: FREE TO THE PUBLIC

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2024
2024-08-16 - 2024-08-18
CALLING ALL PHILADANCO ALUMNI! We are having a weeknd for YOU! This summer Philadanco will be doing a performance at The Dell Music Center on August 16th, honoring our very own Joan Myers Brown. This weekend will include a pre-concert toast, party Saturday night, an alumni talent show, Legacy conversation and Old-School Cookout to close out the festivities!

Make your travel arrangements because we would love to see you! Save the Date and DM us with any questions you may have! More information coming soon!

Hosted by Tommie Waheed Evans, Lamar Baylor and Kim Gadlin

Pricing

Pre-Reception – $30 | 5:30PM @ The Dell Music Center
Concert – $60 7:30PM @ The Dell Music Center
Dell After Party – $50 @ Philadanco Studios | Immediately Following The Dell Music Center
Class With Joan Myers Brown – $25 | 1PM-2:30PM @ Philadanco Studios
Yacht Party (Must be 21+) – $125 | Disembarking from Penn’s Landing @ 5:30PM
LCS & Family Reunion/BBQ – $20 | 3PM – 6PM @ Philadanco Studios!
Entire package : $275.00

Tickets can be bought with the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alumni-weekend-at-philadanco-tickets-942975825077?aff=oddtdtcreator
or by calling Philadanco: (215) 387-8200

Danco On Danco 2024
2024-09-13 19:30 - 2024-09-14 21:00
September 13, 2024 at 7:30pm
September 14, 2024 at 7:30pm

Enjoy the opportunity to witness original works by PHILADANCO Company Members, Second Company Members and Administration!

FREE Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest
2024-09-15 08:00 - 17:00
Philadanco will be performing at a FREE Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest

Join us as we launch our 2024/2025 season with an exciting celebration!
Experience a vibrant array of live performances and engaging activities, showcasing highlights from our prestigious Resident Companies and regional arts and cultural organizations. Plus, expect fantastic ticket deals and giveaways! Get creative with superhero comic creation led by Art Sphere, design your own jewelry with the Caribbean Community of Philadelphia, explore a Musical Instrument Petting Zoo hosted by Keep Music Alive, and don’t miss the chance for a kid’s tap shoe giveaway from the Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble. You can also enjoy a special performance from a small ensemble of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra!
Program
Commonwealth Plaza Stage
11:00 AM Aurora Classical
11:30 AM Opera Philadelphia
12:00 PM Philadelphia Orchestra Small Ensemble
12:30 PM Performances from Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise and MJ The Musical
1:20 PM The No Name Pops
2:15 PM Independence Awards
2:30 PM Performances from Broadway’s A Beautiful Noise and MJ The Musical
Perelman Theater
11:50 AM Philadelphia Ballet
12:10 PM Chocolate Ballerina Company
12:30 PM Carne Viva Dance Theatre
12:45 PM Kun-Yang Lin / Dancers
1:05 PM SHARP Dance Company
1:30 PM BalletX
1:55 PM Living Arts Dance
2:25 PM Koresh Dance Company
2:45 PM PHILADANCO

Adult Open Classes
2024-09-30

PHILADANCO! at PENN STATE | HARRISBURG
2024-10-10 19:30 - 21:00
PHILADANCO will be performing at Penn State University
Thursday, October 10, 2024
7:30 PM – Kulkarni Theater

PHILADANCO! at Rowan University
2024-10-19 19:30 - 21:30
PHILADANCO! at
Rowan University

“How We Sustain”
Saturday, October 19, 2024
7:30 PM – Pfleeger Concert Hall
Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO! is a Philadelphia institution celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of predominantly African-American traditions in dance. Marking the company’s 55th anniversary season, as well as their debut performance at Rowan University, How We Sustain tells a story of natural cycles, continuity, shared purpose, and spiritual power, featuring works by Francisco Gella, Ronald K. Brown, Ray Mercer, and Tommie Waheed-Evans.
Runtime is 75 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
*With support from Rowan University’s Catalysts for Sustainability initiative
(Tickets are limited, and we will quickly reach capacity, so make your purchase ASAP!)

2024 Dance Magazine Awards
2024-12-02 19:00 - 21:00
The 2024 Dance Magazine Awards will honor George Faison, Joanna Haigood, Liz Lerman, Mavis Staines, and Shen Wei. The Chairman’s Award will go to Mikhail Baryshnikov for his work with Baryshnikov Arts, and the posthumous awards will celebrate six artists who were not recognized by the awards committee during their lifetimes.
A tradition dating back to 1954, the Dance Magazine Awards are given in appreciation of the artistry, integrity, and resilience that dance artists have demonstrated over the course of their careers. The theme for 2024 is “the stage and beyond”: The dancers, choreographers, and educators in this remarkable group of honorees are invested in work that often transcends the proscenium.
A ceremony to recognize this year’s recipients will be held in New York City at Baryshnikov Arts on Monday, December 2, at 7 pm EST, with performances and presentations for each. For ticket information, visit the Dance Media store.

GIVING TUESDAY!
2024-12-03
Please support PHILADANCO! on #GivingTuesday!

#GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity, is an opportunity to show your love for PHILADANCO! and our amazing dancers and students. This year, our #GivingTuesday campaign will focus on supporting the health and wellness of our dancers who perform for communities around the city and across the nation and the world.

We hope you will support our “Danco” Family on this annual giving event today — or you can make a gift today! By taking part in this giving event, you’ll be helping our dance artists to continue to be the best that they can be in their performances and their pursuit of dance excellence.

Thank you for supporting PHILADANCO! and our dancers… and come see us at our Ensemble Arts Philly home this Weekend on December 6th – 8th!
You can donate with the link below:

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION!
2024-12-06 21:00 - 23:00
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE for our Opening Night Celebration Honoring Lee Daniels! Join us for a wonderful night celebrating 55 years of Philadanco following our opening night performance. You can RSVP with the link below or by calling PHILADANCO at 2153878200. Tickets are selling FAST, so be sure to grab yours!
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot

APAP 2025
2025-01-10 20:10 - 20:50
Philadanco will be doing a performance for APAP 2025 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater (405 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019)

D2 presents "An Evening of Dance"
2025-02-23 18:00 - 19:30
Philadanco’s Apprentice Company, D2, will be having their spring concert here at Philadanco Studios. Purchase your tickets to see the future of PHILADANCO! shine.
February 23rd, 2025
6:00pm
Tickets are sold through Eventbrite.

Esperanza Arts Center 2025
2025-03-01 15:00 - 17:00 | 4261 North 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 19140, 4261 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA, United States
March 1, 2025, 3:00pm
$20 General Admission, Free for Students & Seniors
Described as a “brilliant mix of skill, energy, and artistry”, Philadelphia’s groundbreaking dance company, Philadanco returns the Teatro stage in a one-night only performance featuring its virtuoso dancers in a diverse and imaginative program rooted in African-American traditions.

92NY - Harkness Dance Center - Celebrating 90 Years
2025-03-08 19:30 - 21:00
A landmark evening in dance history, this extraordinary performance brings together two influential companies, each rooted in deep cultural traditions and celebrated for their transformative artistry, whose roots are entwined with the Harkness Dance Center.
Ronald K. Brown and his company EVIDENCE return to The 92nd Street Y with Upside Down, a work that blends African diasporic rhythms with contemporary dance. Originally created in 1998 in collaboration with Rokiya Kone and her Jeune Ballet d’Afrique Noire, the piece is driven by the vibrant music of Nigerian singer Wunmi, accompanied by both traditional and modern instruments.
Upside Down highlights family lineages that reach from the past into the future. Its early sections channel communal grief — moving seamlessly from introspective gestures to full-bodied group sequences. The 92nd Street Y holds special meaning for Brown: it was here that the legendary Judith Jamison first witnessed his rehearsals and asked him to create a work for the Ailey organization. Now, more than two decades later, Upside Down returns to the place where its journey began, a testament to Brown’s enduring vision and creative roots.
PHILADANCO!: In their 92NY debut, Philadelphia’s renowned PHILADANCO! brings a stunning performance of Talley Beatty’s Pretty is Skin Deep, Ugly is to the Bone. Beatty, a pioneering figure in American modern dance, first graced our stage in 1937 with Katherine Dunham and later collaborated with Alvin Ailey, shaping the future of dance right here. Now, nearly 60 years since the piece was last performed at 92NY, it returns as a testament to Beatty’s enduring legacy. With its vibrant blend of innovation and tradition, PHILADANCO!’s precision, passion, and performance promise a “stunner” (The Philadelphia Inquirer). Celebrated for their dynamic dancers and their elevation of African American dance traditions, PHILADANCO!’s performance is an unforgettable celebration of the past, present, and future of American dance.
Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to witness two pivotal companies perform in the very space where dance history was made.
Recordings of the streaming of any kind are strictly prohibited.

2025 Performance Garage Gala
2025-04-05 18:00 - 20:00
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Performance Garage, we are thrilled to announce our 25th Anniversary Performance Garage Gala on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 6pm.
Our 2025 Anniversary Gala will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the Performance Garage’s quarter-century legacy, while also raising crucial funds to support our future.
This year, we are honoring two remarkable leaders in the world of arts and culture who have elevated Philadelphia’s status to the world stage and who have continually inspired us at the Performance Garage: Joan Myers Brown, founder of Philadanco, and David Devan, former General Director and President of Opera Philadelphia.
Her undisputed status as a leader in the national and international arts communities were acknowledged when Joan Myers Brown received the 2012 National Medal of the Arts, presented by President Barack Obama. Her leadership in forming the International Association of Blacks in Dance led to a second National Medal of Arts Award, presented by President Joe Biden in 2021 to the IABD.
Under David Devan’s leadership, Opera Philadelphia attained international stature and became a favorite co-producing partner with companies around the world. They commissioned eight new operas, including Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD by Daniel Schnyder and Bridgette Wimberly, and the award-winning Breaking the Waves by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek. Over the last 25 years, the Performance Garage has elevated the art of dance securing a lasting impact on the artists we serve, the audiences we engage, and the city of Philadelphia as a whole. Our 25th Anniversary is not just about our past—it’s about the ongoing importance of our mission to create a vibrant, accessible space for dance to flourish. Please join us as we celebrate 25 years of creativity and community and look forward to the future!
No physical tickets — we have your name at the door — and free Valet parking at the curb.

RELENTLESS RESIDENT VISIONS!
2025-04-25 19:30 - 2025-04-27 14:00 | Kimmel Cultural Campus, Perelman Theater, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, United States
Ensemble Arts Presents
PHILADANCO! Relentless Resident Visions

Overview

This spring PHILADANCO! showcases new and classic works from their cutting-edge choreographers, Christopher Huggins, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Ray Mercer, and Milton Myers. The performance series emphasized the unity and diversity within the PHILADANCO! family, highlighting the choreographers’ unique backgrounds and distinct styles.
Often described as “a brilliant mix of miracle of skill, energy and artistry,” PHILADANCO!  dancers are among the best in the world. Join us as we celebrate these brilliant makers within the PHILADANCO! artistic family.
Full repertory to be announced

Showtimes:
Friday | April 25th, 2025 – 7:30 pm
Saturday | April 26th, 2025 – 2:00 pm
Saturday | April 26th, 2025 – 7:30 pm
Sunday | April 27th, 2025 – 2:00 pm

Call Philadanco studios for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Behind The Scenes of works being performed:

“Enemy Behind The Gates” by Christopher L. Huggins

Philadanco at The Gantt Center
2025-05-28 19:30 - 21:00
Celebrate Black dance with the Gantt as we welcome the acclaimed PHILADANCO! – The Philadelphia Dance Company – to Charlotte for a rare performance.
Accompanied by a score that ranges from Afro-house to classical to the late R&B singer Phyllis Hyman, the New York Times applauds PHILADANCO! for its “impressively skilled dancers and their give-it-your-all spirit.”
Like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theatre of Harlem, PHILADANCO! was founded during the height of the Civil Rights movement to provide opportunities for Black dancers who were denied entrance to dance schools, and had even fewer professional performance outlets.
For nearly 55 years – across the nation and around the world – the company has embodied innovation, creativity, and the preservation of African American traditions in dance. Today, PHILADANCO! is acclaimed globally for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and captivating performances. Reviews highlight the company’s strong technique, athleticism, and impact.
Pre-Show Reception & Talk With Joan Myers Brown
Upgrade your ticket to attend an exclusive pre-show reception and fireside chat with PHILADANCO! founder Joan Myers Brown at 6 pm at the Gantt Center. Your $25 reception ticket includes a selection of wine and soft drinks, sweet indulgences and light savory fare. When purchasing tickets, you will have the option to add the pre-show reception to your order.
Reception-Only Tickets
If you only want to attend the pre-show reception and talk with Joan Myers Brown at the Gantt Center, those tickets are also available.

June Audition 2025
2025-06-08 14:00 - 16:00
PHILADANCO 2025 SUMMER AUDITION
Professional Company Audition
Date:
June 8, 2025
Time:
Main Company: 2:00 P.M.
D/2 | Second Company: 12:00 P.M.
Where:
Philadanco! 9 N. Preston Street Philadelphia P.A. 19104
(Can register on-sight day of Auditions)
(Pre-registration recommended)
Scan the QR code or click the link below to register

Main Company:
IN-PERSON ONLY AT THIS TIME

D/2 Training Company:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uuHFidKFxQ1AKpUJW2_4qwC39yk4icVMucyHNpOObUw/viewform?edit_requested=true&pli=1

If you have any questions, please email company.philadanco@gmail.com

PHILADANCO and D/2 at Dilworth Park!
2025-06-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19139, United States
Philadanco and Philadanco’s training company D/2 will be doing a concert that is FREE to the public at Dilworth Park directly in front of City Hall from 6:00pm – 7:00pm!

MVMNT Pilates at PHILADANCO!
2025-06-29 09:00 - 21:50
Join us for MVMNT Pilates at PHILADANCO!✨ Move, stretch, and strengthen your body in the heart of West Philly with instructor Ellie Matus.📅 June 29, 2025🕘 9:00 AM📍 9 N Preston Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104💙 Donation-based class (Suggested: $20) — all levels welcome!Scan the QR code to register or visit www.philadanco.org.
Start your Sunday grounded, energized, and connected. Let’s move together!
#PHILADANCO #PilatesPhilly #MVMNTPilates #WellnessInMotion #WestPhillyFitness #DonationBasedFitness #MoveWithEllie

Summer Skill Enhancement Series
2025-07-07 08:00 - 2025-08-15 19:30
53nd Annual Acclaimed 6 Week Summer Skill Enhancement Series (16-25)

Dates: July 7th -August 15th, 2025
There will be professional training and exposure to world renown instructors each week, plus interaction from resident artists from PHILADANCO!.* Classes are from 5:30-7pm. (MON. – FRI.)

** $150 PER WEEK or $600 FULL SESSION
[Program fees due by- Monday, June 30] Summer Skill Enhancement Series Technique Classes will be:
Week 1 | July 7th – July 11th – Rennie Harris – Hip-Hop/House
Week 2 | July 14th – 18th – Virginie Mecene – Graham
July 21st – 25th | Alumni Week – Various Styles
July 28th – August 1st| Debra Austin – Ballet
August 4th – August 8th| Milton Myers – Horton Technique
August 11th – August 15th | Amanieya Payne – West African

July MVMNT Pilates at PHILADANCO!
2025-07-13 09:00 - 21:50
Join us for MVMNT Pilates at PHILADANCO!
✨ Move, stretch, and strengthen your body in the heart of West Philly with instructor Ellie Matus.
📅 July 17, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 9 N Preston Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
💙 Donation-based class (Suggested: $20) — all levels welcome!
Scan the QR code to register or visit www.philadanco.org.
Start your Sunday grounded, energized, and connected. Let’s move together!
