Philly Needs More Dance Programs Like These...
The mantra of this site is “Everyone can dance” and those individuals and organizations who work to make dance accessible to everyone are the beating heart of the dance community.
Obviously, to keep our dance community thriving, it’s necessary most times to charge for dance classes, workshops, performances, etc. But every now and then, we’re lucky enough to stumble across an opportunity to appreciate the art of dance for no cost at all. The people behind these events are clearly people who love dance for the sake of dance, who want to share its beauty just for the sake of sharing beauty.
Starting this week, The Annenberg Center and Dance Affiliates will bring us the 32nd season of the Dance Celebration series; a collection of performances throughout the 2014-2015 season from an eclectic group of accomplished dance companies. Artistic Director, Randy Swartz explains that this season’s theme is “Visionary Voices” and the series aims to recognize the dance companies that “represent new voices on the scene, or over time have supported new voices by curating their work.” This is all very exciting, but here’s what sets this dance series apart from others…
The dance companies involved in the Dance Celebration series are also involved in free Artist to Artist Master Classes, and the Student Discovery Series.
The Artist to Artist Master Classes allow any Philadelphia dancer to take a class with the performers in the Dance Celebration series (see picture). As if it wasn’t amazing enough to have the opportunity to learn from these outstanding dancers, the classes are free. I’m floored. Dance floored!
For younger dancers, The Student Discovery Series offers school-aged students class time with the dancers involved in the Dance Celebration series. The students have the opportunity to view a performance, and then have time to engage in discussion with the dancers afterwards. Dance Affiliates describes the program best; “The performing arts provide a unique platform to teach problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Addressing laws of motion, physics, mathematics, history, life skills, earth science, music and cultural studies, teachers can easily connect the performance to their curriculum to fulfill state standards while also cultivating the next generation artists and arts advocates.”
As a middle school teacher, I’m grateful for what Dance Affiliates is offering students. Many schools today, especially in Philadelphia, are so underfunded and arts programs in particular are suffering. Programs like the Student Discovery Series help make sure that young people continue to express themselves through art.
Dance Affiliates truly and genuinely brings the phrase “Everyone can Dance” to life.
All the info you need for the Dance Celebration Series, the Artist to Artist master classes, and the Student Discovery Series can be found here:
BalletBoyz: October 23-25, 2014
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company: November 13-15, 2014
Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca from November 20-23, 2014
Parsons Dance: December 4-6, 2014
Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre: January 15-17, 2015
Black Grace: February 12-14, 2015
Jessica Lang Dance: March 19-21, 2015
RUBBERBANDance Group: April 16-18, 2015
Pilobolus: May 7-10, 2015
MUMMENSCHANZ: December 11-14, 2014
Artist to Artist Master Class Schedule (make sure to register for free to reserve your spot!)
BalletBoyz- Friday, October 24 at 11:30
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company- Wednesday, November 12 at 1pm
Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca- Friday, November 21 at 1pm
Parsons Dance- Friday, December 5 at 1pm
Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre- Friday, January 16 at 1pm
Black Grace- Friday, February 13 at 1pm
Jessica Lang Dance- Friday, March 20 at 1pm
RUBBERBANDance Group- Friday, April 17 at 1pm
Pilobolus Dance Theater- Friday, May 8 at 1pm
Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company: Friday, November 14 at 10:30 AM
Parsons Dance: Friday, December 5 at 10:30 AM
Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre: Friday, January 16 at 10:30 AM
Black Grace: Friday, February 13 at 10:30 AM
Jessica Lang Dance: Friday, March 20 at 10:30 AM
RUBBERBANDance Group: Friday, April 17 at 10:30 AM
Pilobolus Dance Theater: (Note different time) Thursday, May 7 at 10 AM as part of The International Children’s Festival Friday, May 8 at 10 AM for The Student Discovery Series
Article written by Hannah Lorenzo.
