As part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts 10th Anniversary Celebration, the audience was treated to a very special performance by the internationally acclaimed Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco). Philadanco returned to the Kimmel Center with its annual spring concert, presenting “The Philadelphia Connection”. The program celebrates the arts in the City of Brotherly Love – Philadelphia!

Philadanco’s performance featured a world premiere entitled “Wake Up,” by hip-hop icon Rennie Harris. Choreographed over the past year, “Wake Up,” is the second piece created for the company by Harris.

The dance company performed a revival of the 2000 abstract ballet by Dwight Rhoden titled “Tribute.” A salute to Philadelphia International Records, the high-energy piece is set to the celebrated soulful music of 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Music included songs made famous by Billy Paul (“Am I Black Enough for You”
The O’Jays (“For the Love of Money” & “Living for the Weekend”), Teddy Pedergrass, and MFSP (Mother, Father, Brother, Sister),

The program also included a world premier “Suite en Bleu” by the late Philadelphia choreographer Gene Hill Sagan, remounted by Philadanco icon Kim Bears-Bailey, as well as Ron K. Brown’s “Gatekeepers.”

Philadanco dazzled the audience with its electrifying moves, vibrant colorful costumes and breathtaking dance and choreography talent.

Immediately following the performance, Ms. Joan Myers Brown, Founder & Executive Artistic Director, signed copies of her new book ‘Joan Myers Brown & the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina: A Biohistory of American Performances’ – written by Brenda Dixon Gottschild.

Founded in 1970, Philadanco is known internationally for recognizing and honing the skills of emerging and professional Philadelphia-area dancers and choreographers, particularly those of cultural groups often underrepresented in the arts.

Ms. Joan Myers Brown, and her 17 dancers are famed for innovative choreography, blending African American-based dance with ballet, jazz, and modern.

More images from the event are in Ben Johnson gallery http://www.benjohnsonjazzphotos.com