Philadance is coming here next week for one performance. I don't know anything about them. Can someone enlighten me???? They also have a (free) open reherasal which I am considersing.

<P>Photo: Deborah Boardman<P><BR>Hi granny_dancer and welcome to criticaldance. I don't know the Company, but one of our readers said she liked them about a year ago.<P>Here's a link to a review from earlier in the year. The dancing impressed Tobi Tobias, but not the choreography:<P> <A HREF="http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page_id=2245" TARGET=_blank>http://www.newyorkmag.com/page.cfm?page_id=2245</A> <P>Here's a link to the company website, which talks about their teaching and community dance projects:<P> <A HREF="http://www.avenueofthearts.org/danco.htm" TARGET=_blank>http://www.avenueofthearts.org/danco.htm</A> <P><BR>Have any other of our current readers seen them?<P><BR>

HI Dancing Granny--welcome! Good to have someone respond from the middle of our country. I used to teach at Kansas State University.<BR>This topic should probably go under "Modern". Philadanco is modelled somewhat on the Alvin Ailey company. They are a multicultural company, which does an eclectic repertory. They are headed by Joan Myers Brown, a very strong, charismatic leader. The work is sleek beautiful, athletic; the dancers very diverse. A former dancer with my company LEAVING GROUND/DANCE named Francisco Gella dances now with Philadanco. I think you will enjoy them...definelty go to any classes or workshops offered!!

Hi there,<P>I saw Philadanco about two years ago while they were on tour and really enjoyed it. They're pretty athletic and modern and you can really relate to their dancers; they're emotive. When I saw them they did a terrific jazz piece by Tally Beatty called "Pretty is skin deep, but ugly is to the bone." It was electrifying. They also did a Donald Byrd piece called "Bam!", if I remember correctly, a more ballet-based piece, and a strong, interpretively engaging work by Elisa Monte.<P>I can't remember the name of Philadanco's Artistic Director, but she is quite regal and commanding. The company's point of pride is that they've been able to stay in the black for many years running.<P>I'd highly recommend them!

I believe the AD of Philadanco is Joan Myers Brown, who also founded the company in the early 70s.<P>She studied with Tudor.

Here is some more information on Phildanco - as it appears on Google:<BR> <A HREF="http://www.google.com/search?q=%22phildanco%22&btnG=Google+Search" TARGET=_blank>http://www.google.com/search?q=%22phildanco%22&btnG=Google+Search</A> <P>

'Philadanco takes West Point stage.' From the wonderfully named 'Pouhkeepsie Journal'. An interview with the AD and one of the dancers.<P><BR> <A HREF="http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/today/lifeentertainment/stories/li010501s3.shtml" TARGET=_blank>http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/today/<BR>lifeentertainment/stories/li010501s3.shtml</A> <p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited January 06, 2001).]

given the comments above, i hope no-one minds that i am moving this to MODERN DANCE.....

Thanks Grace!!!

Just a bit of trivia re Philadanco (which performed in the Big Easy a few years back) -- the wife of Teddy Pendergrass (great R&B singer who was in serious accident years ago) was (and may still be) in the company.

Exciting news:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR><B>Philadanco, Regional Performing Arts Center sign 3-year contract</B><P>The deal, the first for the new center, gives the dance group its first permanent home in its 30-year history.<P>By Eils Lotozo, Philadelphia Inquirer<P>West Philadelphia-based, internationally celebrated dance company Philadanco has become the first performing arts group to sign on as a resident company of the Regional Performing Arts Center.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><B><A HREF="http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2001/01/20/magazine/RPAC20.htm" TARGET=_blank>More</A></B>

<P><B>PHILADANCO STEPS LIVELY AT 31</B> <BR> <BR>The Philadelphia Dance Company brings world-class artistry to the Prince Theater stage.<P><BR>By RENEE LUCAS WAYNE for The Philedelphia Daily News <P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>UNDER THE ARTISTIC direction of Joan Myers Brown, the Philadelphia Dance Company is celebrating its 31st season of bringing world-class dance to stages here and abroad.<P>A fitting testament to its artistry and longevity is tonight's premiere of "Messages from the Heart," a full evening of commissioned dance works.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR><A HREF="http://dailynews.philly.com/content/daily_news/2001/05/31/features/PBAR31F.htm" TARGET=_blank><B>More...</B></A>

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:<P><B>Philadanco presents four new creations</B><P>Bing J. Mark <BR>FOR THE INQUIRER <P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Philadanco opened its 31st annual spring concert series Thursday with Messages From the Heart, a sly and thoughtful program of four new works by four nationally known choreographers. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR><A HREF="http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2001/06/02/magazine/DANCO02.htm" TARGET=_blank><B>MORE...</B></A><BR>

From a press release:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Local Girl Scouts and Philadanco Team Up for Dance Program<P>PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Some girls spend their summer at camp, hanging out with friends, or working part-time. Twenty-seven Girl Scouts will get to be center-stage and work with a renowned professional dance company. ``Let's Dance'' is a week-long program, running from August 5-10, 2001, with the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco). The program is a regional collaboration based on the Girl Scouts Wider Opportunities program.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><a href=http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010803/phf029.html target=_blank>More</a>

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:<P> <P><B>For Philadanco, Poland proves challenging tour </B> <BR> <BR>By Merilyn Jackson <BR>FOR THE INQUIRER <P> <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>KRAKOW, Poland - The indomitable Joan Myers Brown and her dance troupe, Philadanco, are no strangers to travel. In the 1990s, they collected baggage checks from Turkey, Italy, Germany, Canada and Britain. Last year took them to a dance festival in Korea, which "had its difficulties," Brown allowed, "but was one of the best tours ever. Travel has two objectives: to introduce the company to new audiences and to allow the dancers to experience different cultures."<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P><BR><A HREF="http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2001/08/12/arts_and_entertainment/DANCO12.htm" TARGET=_blank><B>MORE...</B></A><BR>