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PhiladancoCompany Description
The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) is celebrating 38 years of providing exceptional dance performances and training to its many communities throughout the US and abroad. The original mission of PHILADANCO, “to present the highest quality of professional dance performance, and to provide exceptional training for the improvement of skills for emerging professional dancers and choreographers in a nurturing environment while increasing the appreciation of dance among its many communities” has withstood time, budget cuts and the passage of 38 years. Since its inception in 1970 PHILADANCO has had a significant impact on the dance world. As a cultural ambassador representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia, its artistic direction and renowned national and international guest choreographers have developed a reputation of producing a dance repertory with passion, power, skill and diversity. Over the 38 years, a stellar faculty (hand picked by Joan Myers Brown, Founder of PHILADANCO) has trained over 4,500 dancers in a comprehensive program achieving the highest level of technical skills in dance and performance. The unique blend of dance styles of PHILADANCO, and its roster of 50-60 concert performances and 45 residencies annually has made them one of the most sought after modern companies in the United States. Developing and piloting new programs and initiatives is nothing new to Philadanco. In 2000, the company along with eight other cultural organizations received permanent residency at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Performances to date have been sold-out and audiences eagerly anticipate their Fall and Spring Concert Series each year. In 1981 the company was one of only 15 organizations awarded the prestigious National Choreography Planning Grant. It organized the historic first two International Conferences for Black Dance Companies with over 75 representatives convening in Philadelphia. For the past 20 years, more than 600 people have assembled annually for the International Conference on Black Dance; headed by the International Association of Blacks in Dance, which was also founded and now chaired by Joan Myers Brown. This year, PHILADANCO had the pleasure of performing at venues such as Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and The Joyce Theater in New York City. The company undertook a noteworthy tour, spending the entire month of March 2006 in Germany, Luxembourg and Italy and received a prestigious American Masterpiece’s Award from NEA. More importantly, PHILADANCO believes in and continues to provide quality arts instruction to young people with authentic learning experiences that engage their minds, hearts, and bodies. And after 38 years, the PHILADANCO building continues to be an oasis in its community and a welcoming refuge for many. |
