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Amazing grace: its founder's fierce spirit has built Philadanco a thriving place at the heart of Philadelphia's dance scene.

Article Excerpt
"Once you come in that door, the arms embrace you. It's a rare jewel here--just a little piece of heaven. Aunt Joan doesn't know any other way to be. She's a nurturer, a fighter, a giver, a believer."--KIM BEARS-BAILEY

Walk into the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) School of Dance Arts building and, like Dorothy, you know you are no longer in Kansas. You are somewhere over the rainbow, in "the world according to Joan Myers Brown," who founded both organizations as a way to provide African American dancers in Philadelphia with quality training and a professional performance outlet. Parents, teenage teaching assistants, children, and the ever-present faculty and staff populate the first and second floor lobbies and studios, combining work with chatter and convivial exchange. Former company member Karen Still-Pendergrass, the school administrator, serves up advice with the invoices while cradling a teacher's sleeping baby in her arms. The stairwells of this compact, three-story edifice are lined with vintage posters, autographed photos, and awards presented to loan Myers Brown over the years. In fact, the short West Philadelphia street dominated by this building was re-named Philadanco Way by the City of Philadelphia in 1995.

One's first and lasting impression is, "This institution is not institutionalized!"

But the homespun, mom-and-pop setting is deceptive. Philadanco is a world-class company known for its technical mastery and dramatic soul. It is hailed for its exquisite soloists, exceptional ensemble work, and expansive repertoire. Philadanco dancers combine sensational technique and luxuriant energy; they exude an affirmation and celebration of the human spirit, even in somber works. Their energy is infectious, and standing ovations are not unusual at Philadanco performances.

This season...

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