Philadanco’s Winter Residency features impressive revisions and a successful premiere performance.
Philadanco, the acclaimed Philadelphia Dance Company, is commemorating a significant milestone by celebrating its 25th anniversary at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater. The current program, titled “Then and Now!,” features an impressive mixed bill that highlights the talents of its exceptionally skilled dancers through works by four prominent choreographers, each bringing a unique vision and style to the stage.
The lineup includes revised productions of pieces by renowned choreographers Donald Byrd and Tommie-Waheed Evans, along with a premiere from Ronald K. Brown and a brand-new creation by rising choreographic talent Juel D. Lane. This variety in programming showcases the evolution of the company and its ability to adapt and innovate within the realm of dance.
The opening night audience was met with enthusiastic applause, particularly for Lane’s piece, Heirborne. This work cleverly plays on the concept of flight, both literal and metaphorical, and draws inspiration from trailblazers such as Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to hold a pilot’s license, and Mae Jemison, the first African American female astronaut. The dancers not only conveyed the sensation of soaring through the air with their outstretched arms and controlled movements, but they also engaged emotionally with the audience.
While it can be challenging to highlight individual performers in a production featuring large ensembles, standout moments included a captivating solo by Aliyah Clay in Heirborne, set against dramatic lighting designed by Nick Kolin. The culmination of the piece left a lasting impression as eight dancers executed a synchronized leap into darkness.
The music accompanying the performances varied across genres, incorporating elements of rap, gospel, and jazz. For Heirborne, Lane selected pieces from notable Georgia-based artists, and the costume design by Anna-Alisa Belous added a unique visual flair with shiny black shorts and neon-orange suspenders, evoking themes of safety reminiscent of airport aesthetics.
Ronald K. Brown’s contribution, From Exotica Back to Us, was originally choreographed in 1999 and has been updated with stunning costumes designed by Wunmi Oliya, enhancing Brown’s seamless integration of traditional West African dance with contemporary movement. The emotional depth of the piece was further amplified by powerful performances, particularly that of dancer William E. Burden.
Tommie-Waheed Evans’ Withinverse… features deep emotional narratives, with Kaylah Arielle leading with a compelling portrayal of vulnerability and strength as the dancers navigate between solemnity and urgency, intricately responding to both slow gospel and electronic club music. This piece incorporates complex lifts, demonstrating the dancers’ exceptional skill.
The evening opened with Donald Byrd’s Everybody, characterized by a playful amalgamation of classical and contemporary styles. Byrd cleverly contrasts a harpsichord piece by J.S. Bach with hip-hop elements, creating a unique texture that is both amusing and intriguing. His background in classical music and dance shines through in the intricate partnering and inventive choreography displayed throughout the piece.
In a pre-performance introduction, Evans, who co-directs the company alongside Kim Bears Bailey, indicated that Philadanco recently returned from a successful tour in Germany, a testament to the company’s international recognition and appeal. Founded by the indomitable Joan Myers Brown over five decades ago, Philadanco continues to leave a profound impact in the dance community. However, there is anticipation for future performances to include the works of female choreographers, further diversifying the programming.
Philadanco’s Then and Now! runs through December 7 at the Perelman Theater, with tickets priced between and . For more information, visit the official ticketing website.
