Philadanco

Thu.-Fri., May 8-9, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 10, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sun., May 11, 2:30 p.m.; $34-$46, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-763-8100, kimmelcenter.org.

by Janet Anderson

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Published: May 6, 2008

dance

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How has Joan Myers Brown, Philadanco's founder, artistic director and driving spirit, managed to keep it together for nearly 40 years? "By the hair of my chinny-chin-chin," Brown laughs, "plus constant touring. We just got back from a European tour," Brown adds. "This doesn't include the 40 weeks we toured the United States. Being on the bus isn't my favorite thing, but it's necessary."

The program is split between old and new — "revisiting," as Brown puts it, "a couple pieces audiences have asked to see again." One is Such Sweet Morning Songs, a classic from great African-American dance pioneer Talley Beatty, which incorporates Chuck Mangione jazz. Danco also honors its much-loved former resident choreographer, Gene Hill Sagan, performing his Ritornello.

There's new work, too. Sensational Christopher Huggins creates a dance, From Dawn till Dusk, with the music of Philly's own Bobby McFerrin. Finally, Hinton Battle, known as much as a performer as a dance-maker (he was in Dreamgirls) is choreographing a piece called Commitments.

Thu.-Fri., May 8-9, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., May 10, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sun., May 11, 2:30 p.m.; $34-$46, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-763-8100, kimmelcenter.org.

 

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