Empowering Youth with Essential Developmental and Leadership Skills
At The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!), we are a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting the highest quality of professional dance performance, while cultivating the skills of emerging and professional dancers and choreographers in a nurturing environment. Our mission is to increase the appreciation of dance among diverse communities, both locally and globally. With our home base on Philadanco Way in University City/West Philadelphia, we provide one of the nation's most innovative and successful dance training programs. Our company support systems and intensive training enable dancers to hone their talent and refine their technical skills.
Company History
Founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, PHILADANCO! has a rich history of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides. With a legacy of "first" accomplishments, our company has made significant contributions to arts communities locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. We have served on various organizational boards, including the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project, the United States Information Agency, Arts America, the National Endowment for the Arts, and state arts councils.
Mission
Our mission is to empower youth with essential developmental and leadership skills that facilitate achievement and success in the world of dance and everyday life. Inherent in our mission is a commitment to artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances. We strive to represent a history of "first" accomplishments, building on our company tradition and foundation.
Programs
At PHILADANCO!, we offer a range of programs, including:
- Dance Education: Our commitment to expanding knowledge and access to dance arts throughout local, regional, and national communities is achieved through community-based activities and initiatives.
- Community Engagement: We partner with schools, educational organizations, and community-based organizations, and performance venues to deliver community-based arts education through workshops, lecture-demonstrations, master classes, and peer-to-peer conferences throughout the region.
- Training: Our intensive training enables dancers to hone their talent and refine their technical skills.
- Performances: We present the highest quality of professional dance performance, showcasing the talents of our dancers and choreographers.
Staff
Our staff consists of experienced professionals in the dance industry, dedicated to nurturing the artistic growth of our dancers and choreographers. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and artistic expression.
Community
At PHILADANCO!, we believe that dance has the power to unite people and communities, transcending cultural and social boundaries. We strive to increase the appreciation of dance among diverse communities, both locally and globally.
Support
We rely on the generous support of our donors and funders to continue our mission and programs. Your contribution can help us to continue our commitment to empowering youth, engaging communities, and promoting artistic excellence.
Overall Impression
The reviews of Philadanco are overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers giving the dance company a 5-star rating. The reviewers praise the company's performances, choreography, music, and costumes, as well as the experience of attending a show.
Performances and Shows
Reviewers rave about the energy, versatility, and skill of the dancers, with many mentioning the phenomenal performances they witnessed. The shows are described as "truly amazing, " "fabulous, " and "euphoric."
Dance School and Classes
The dance school and classes offered by Philadanco are also highly praised. Reviewers mention the friendly, caring, and patient staff and teachers, who make students feel comfortable and welcomed. The classes are described as fun, and reviewers appreciate the opportunity to learn various dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, and tap.
Community and Support
Some reviewers mention the sense of community and support they feel around Philadanco, whether it's attending a show or participating in a class. They appreciate the opportunity to mingle with the dancers and support the company.
Negative Comment
One reviewer had a negative experience, mentioning that the owner of the school was aggressive towards a child, which is both unprofessional and illegal.

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