Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Dance Performances & Training in Philadelphia
Founded in 1970, Philadanco has established itself as a pioneering force in professional dance performance and arts education. Our mission centers on cultivating emerging and professional dancers while fostering appreciation for African-American dance traditions. Through our Philadelphia-based headquarters, we operate the 46-week Instruction and Training Program that serves over 300 youth annually, offering free dancewear, counseling, and performance opportunities. Our legacy of breaking cultural barriers includes founding the International Association of Blacks in Dance and developing three youth training companies that feed into our professional ensemble. With a team of internationally renowned instructors and a commitment to accessibility, we provide both classical and contemporary training that emphasizes technical excellence, artistic growth, and leadership development.Our community engagement extends through workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and master classes that reach diverse audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. The annual DANCO on DANCO Choreographic Showcase and extensive European tours demonstrate our global impact. As stewards of dance heritage, we maintain rigorous standards of artistic integrity while making dance education accessible to underserved populations. Our 55-year history reflects continuous innovation in dance instruction and community enrichment. Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive training programs, we remain dedicated to advancing dance as both an art form and a vehicle for social empowerment.
Services
Professional Dance Performances
Youth Training Programs
Community Workshops
International Tours
Choreographic Showcases
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 55 years of excellence in professional dance training and performance since 1970
- Free year-round programs with dancewear, counseling, and performance opportunities
- Internationally recognized instructors from classical and contemporary disciplines
- Community engagement through 200+ annual workshops and lecture-demonstrations
- Cultural preservation through African-American dance traditions and choreography
What people say
Electrifying performances
Exceptional youth development
Cultural preservation
International reputation
Accessible training programs
Services
Professional Dance Performances
Philadanco presents professional dance performances that blend classical technique with contemporary expression. Our company performs over 200 times annually, showcasing innovative choreography rooted in African-American traditions. Through national and international tours, we bring culturally significant works to diverse audiences while maintaining technical excellence.
Youth Training Programs
Our year-round training programs develop youth aged 4-23 through multiple tiers: D/3 Juniors, D/3 Youth Ensemble, and D/2 Apprentice Company. With free classes, dancewear, and counseling, we prepare students for professional dance careers while emphasizing physical development, artistic growth, and leadership skills.
Community Workshops
Community engagement initiatives include lecture-demonstrations, master classes, and peer-to-peer conferences. These programs partner with schools and organizations to deliver dance education throughout the Philadelphia region, reaching over 15,000 participants annually through accessible arts experiences.
Choreographic Showcases
The annual DANCO on DANCO Choreographic Showcase presents emerging choreographers' works, featuring pieces created during summer intensive programs. This Philadelphia event highlights new artistic voices while maintaining rigorous performance standards, serving as a platform for professional development.
International Tours
Philadanco maintains an active international touring schedule, with recent performances in Germany. Our European tours introduce classical and contemporary dance repertoires to new audiences while promoting cross-cultural artistic exchange through performances in major cities like Lnen and Offenburg.
People
Joan Myers Brown
Founder/Artistic Adviser
Founder of Philadanco and Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, she established the International Association of Blacks in Dance. With 60+ years in dance education, she shaped programs developing generations of professional dancers through community-focused initiatives.
Kim Bears Bailey
Co-Artistic Director
As Co-Artistic Director, she guides administrative operations while maintaining artistic standards. With extensive dance leadership experience, she oversees program development and ensures alignment with Philadanco's mission of cultural preservation and community engagement.
Marlisa Brown Swint
Managing Director
Managing Director responsible for organizational operations, she implements strategic partnerships and community programs. With decades of arts administration experience, she coordinates Philadanco's educational outreach and ensures program accessibility for underserved populations.
Donald Lunsford
D/2 Artistic Director
D/2 Artistic Director training pre-professional dancers aged 15-23, he develops curriculum and mentors young artists. With professional dance experience, he prepares apprentices for company membership through rigorous classical and contemporary instruction.
Tracy Vogt
Rehearsal Assistant Director
Rehearsal Assistant Director supporting artistic production, she coordinates technical aspects and dancer development. With years in dance education, she ensures rehearsal processes maintain Philadanco's standards of technical excellence and artistic expression.
Questions
What community programs does PHILADANCO! offer?
We provide over 200 annual workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and master classes in Philadelphia schools and community centers, reaching 15,000+ participants annually through accessible dance education initiatives.
How can youth join your training programs?
Youth aged 4-23 can audition for our tiered system: D/3 Juniors (ages 6-12), D/3 Youth Ensemble (13-16), and D/2 Apprentice Company (15-23), with free classes and performance opportunities available.
Do you offer financial assistance for dance training?
Yes, our programs are free for participants with provided dancewear and counseling. Summer programs offer nominal tuition rates and financial scholarships to ensure accessibility for all interested dancers.
What performance venues do you use in Philadelphia?
Our performances occur at major venues including The Kimmel Center, Penn's Landing, The Painted Bride Arts Center, and The Performance Garage, with annual concerts at our West Philadelphia headquarters.
How does PHILADANCO! support emerging choreographers?
The DANCO on DANCO Choreographic Showcase allows dancers and choreographers to create new works. This program has launched careers through annual concerts featuring innovative pieces developed during summer intensive training.
What international dance opportunities exist?
We maintain active European tours, with recent performances in Germany. Our international partnerships include exchange programs and cultural diplomacy initiatives that connect Philadelphia artists with global dance communities.
