Fly: Five First Ladies of Dance

by Deni Kasrel

[ dance ]

Bebe Miller, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Germaine Acogny, Dianne McIntyre, Carmen de Lavallade — the opportunity to see just one of them perform is reason for excitement, but catching all in the same show? That's cause for serious celebration. Each dancer/choreographer blazed her own trail, creating work rooted in African and African-American culture that is both personal and universal. Don't let their ages, which range from fiftysomething through seventysomething, fool you — these artists continue to command the stage. The weekend shows are sold out, but you can catch the quintet in a revealing conversation tonight, led by dance critic Brenda Dixon-Gottschild.

Discussion Thu., Oct. 28, 7 p.m., $10; performances Fri.-Sat., Oct. 29-30, 8 p.m. $25 (sold out); Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, fly.atthebride.com.