The Philadelphia Dance Company, better known as PHILADANCO!, is widely recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances. On March 15, PHILADANCO! will perform a dynamic program at the Hylton Center and, as a Hylton Center Artist-in-Residence.
Formed in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, a barrier-breaking African American ballet dancer, PHILADANCO! launched to provide artistic opportunities for Black dancers who were denied membership in local dance schools. In the company’s Hylton Center debut, PHILADANCO!’s “impressively skilled dancers” (New York Times) will present Francisco Gella’s Seasons, set to Max Richter’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons;" Ephrat Asherie’s out-side-in, an exuberant, theatrical version of breaking and house dancing; Ray Mercer’s This Place, a festive and technically challenging work set to Bongi Duma’s music; and Anthony Burrell’s Conglomerate, which he calls “a rich history of Black Dance in Philadelphia.”
PHILADANCO!’s Artistic Director, Kim Y. Bears-Bailey, expands upon the company’s excitement to be a 2023–24 Artist-in-Residence. She notes, “PHILADANCO! is thrilled to have an opportunity to connect with the Hylton and George Mason University communities of all ages through the Art of Dance & Conversations. These interactions will have a long-lasting effect on all. PHILADANCO!’s performance will indeed be an exciting culmination of this amazing interactive week."
-Hylton Center Education Coordinator, Marit Majeske
As an Artist-in-Residence, the artists will work with the community through classes and workshops surrounding their Hylton Center performance, which includes the following engagement highlights:
- Lifelong Learning Institute of Manassas (LLI) Lecture Demonstration
Company members will lead a class about the history of the company, along with a discussion of the repertoire that will be part of their Hylton Presents performance on March 15. This class will also include gentle movement for those who wish to participate.
- Masterclass with George Mason University School of Dance
Dance majors from Mason School of Dance will participate in masterclasses with members of the company.
- Visit to Hunters Woods Elementary School
First grade students from Hunters Woods Elementary School in Reston will participate in an interactive movement session and watch a short demonstration from members of the company. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions from the artists.
- Colgan High School Dance Masterclass
Dance students from Colgan High School’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts program will participate in a masterclass with members of the company.
- Masterclass at the Dance Institute of Washington
The Hylton Center and Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) will collaborate to offer a masterclass with members of the company for Intermediate to Advanced D.C. dancers as part of DIW's Community on 14th programming—an initiative that provides networking and training opportunities through dance classes, seminars, workshops, talkbacks, and discussions that facilitates creative careers in dance and the arts for D.C. talent.
- Conversation with the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
PHILADANCO! founder and Artistic Advisor Joan Myers Brown will participate in a moderated conversation with members of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.
Get your tickets today for PHILADANCO!’s electrifying Hylton Center performance on March 15, plus enjoy watching their talented group of dancers below:
A pre-performance discussion with PHILADANCO! Artistic Director Kim Y. Bears-Bailey and Rehearsal Director Tracy Vogt, moderated by Mason School of Dance Professor Lawrence M. Jackson, will take place one hour prior to the performance.
Learn more about the Hylton Center's Artist-in Residence program and how these residencies create spaces for transformational experiences to happen.