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Philadanco Dance Company
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A discussion of the dance company and school Philadanco including a discussion of both ...... More...
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Paper Abstract:
A discussion of the dance company and school Philadanco, including a discussion of both the school and the company that uses primarily African American dancers. Also discusses the form of this modern dance.

Paper Introduction:
Philadanco An Overview BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY Philadanco is a Philadelphia-based dance school and company utilizing primarily African American dancers Philadanco recentlycelebrated is th anniversary founded in by Joan Myers Brown whostill helms the school and company Dunning The Philadanco schoolwas founded in ten years before the company Philadanco was founded The school has since become the most dependable producer of well-trainedand spirited black dancers Dunning The early-going for Brown and Philadanco represented a struggle asit would take until the mid s

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Part and parcel of this dance form isexperimentation. While its foundation that guides creation and performancemay be the African American experience, heritage, and history, itsmanifestation is a process of exploration and experimentation. Part of the reason was the limited access to major Broadwayroles for black dancers and perceptions of the troupe as a black companyfor black events. Philadanco isan exuberant, spirited, sensual and expressionistic form of dance thatprovides insights into the African American experience. M. (2 3). Each tautly performed hand motion - ascolding index finger, a splayed-finger cool dude's walk, a tired palmrubbing an overworked lower back - emanates insights into the AfricanAmerican experience" (Traiger, 2 3, C 5). Philadanco continues to experiment with modern variations of dance,such as Zollar's Hand Singing Song. The Philadanco schoolwas founded in 196 , ten years before the company Philadanco was founded.The school has since become the most "dependable producer of well-trainedand spirited black dancers" (Dunning, 6). In one description of thechoreographer's inspiration for the collection, we see the core valuestypically embodied in performances put on by Philadanco, "Zollar creditsthe black power movement's raised fist - the 'dap' - as inspiration, andfrom that single gesture she builds and encyclopedia of cultural bodylanguage that spans four decades. The dances performed by Philadanco typically explore the heritageand experiences of African American history, but they also delve into thecultural and political impact of modern culture on African Americans. As such, she gathered the $5, grant for artisticdevelopment she had been awarded from the Pew Charitable Trusts and teamedwith Jeraldyne Blunden and Ann Williams, two founds of other black dancecompanies, to form the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD). The performances of Philadanco always focus on aspects of theAfrican American experience. Choreography Jawole Willa Jo Zollar recentlyunveiled her troupe's performance of her latest collection of dancesentitled Hand Singing Song. At least 8 percent of the Phildanco staff iscomprised of former dance troupe members and today Philadanco boasts 46dance groups, an active dance home for new dance called the Painted Brideand regular dance seasons at three established theaters (Dunning, 2 2, 2). We've been very successful withlittle or no frills" (Fleming, 2 2, 37w). Funded primarily by membership dues, the Association has struggled overthe years but has helped achieve a greater presence of black choreographersand dancers in mainstream theaters. Onething is certain, the work ethic and determination of Brown and her companyPhiladanco is one that does not suffer lack of commitment or enthusiasm.The Los Angeles Times referred to the company as "high speed wonders", andit is likely they shall continue to make wonderment that reveals a deeperunderstanding and appreciation of African American culture (Brown, 2 3,1).ReferencesBACKGROUND OF THE COMPANYDunning, J. BACKGROUND OF THE DANCE Philadanco is a form of modern dance in part developed by Joan MyersBrown, founder of the school and company of the same name. Petersburg Times, 37w.Traiger, L. Philadanco has enjoyed more success inthe 199 s, as it is not uncommon to find black choreographers and blackdancers working in many mainstream theaters. As Brownargues, "I always say it's like baking a cake; you're not sure how it'sgoing to turn out till you get the end product" (Fleming, 2 2, 37w). Herdancers are offered a 52-week contract and if they plan on auditioning forthe Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a competitor, they are not welcomeback. The Washington Post, C 5. Philadanco's enduring energy. As founder Joan Myers Brown maintains, "I think whatworks with my company are the dancers. Available: http://www.baylinartists.com/philadanco.htm, 1-5.Fleming, J. New York Times, 2, 6.BACKGROUND OF THE DANCE FORMBrown, J. A support system for blacks in dance. Philadanco!: The Philadelphia Dance Company. (Jan 13, 2 2). The New York Times, 2, 1 .Dunning, J. The dances focus on a variety of hand gesturesthat aim to illustrate the experiences of African Americans and theirchanging attitudes over the past four decades. 4 815 Philadanco An Overview BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY Philadanco is a Philadelphia-based dance school and company,utilizing primarily African American dancers. The early-going for Brown and Philadanco represented a struggle asit would take until the mid-198 s for Philadanco to gain nationalrecognition. When she began Philadanco, Brown elicited the support and guidanceof national dance service associations but came away with the feeling thatsuch associations did not understand the needs of a black company likePhiladanco. Risks and balancing acts for a small black troupe. As Brown explains in one interview, "Presenters neededto be made aware that we were available all year, not just during BlackHistory Month" (Dunning, 2 2, 6). As The Washington Post recently said of one performance, "Themembers of the Philadelphia Dance Company, better known as Philadanco, cando just about anything: leap like arrows in flight, spin, stretch, kick andmelt like hot wax" (Brown, 2 3, 1). This form of dancehas been around for nearly half a century and the performances of thedancers focus on their ability to demonstrate the utmost flexibility andstamina. Brown runs Philadanco with an iron-legwarmer so-to-speak. Philadanco recentlycelebrated is 3 th anniversary, founded in 197 by Joan Myers Brown whostill helms the school and company (Dunning, 2 2). (Jan 6, 2 3). Thespirited, gymnastic-like nature of many of the pieces are designed toentertain audiences by themselves, as the company typically travels withlittle or no props. Brown justifies her recently adopted stance, "I want this to be aplace they want to be, not a place they've got a job until they get toAiley" (Dunning, 2 2, 2). Dance company never stands still. St. (Feb 28, 2 2). (2 2). Philadanco has enabled new generations of black choreographers and dancersto come of age. However, such was not thecase in the 197 s when Brown was unhappy with the reaction her company wasreceiving from national dance service associations.

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