Philadanco

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Your Premier Destination for Professional Dance Performances

Founded in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, Philadanco has been a pioneering force in professional dance, dedicated to creating opportunities for dancers of color and preserving African-American dance traditions. Our mission combines artistic excellence with community empowerment through performances, education, and outreach. Over five decades, we have nurtured generations of dancers and choreographers, offering rigorous training programs that emphasize technical mastery, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Our companys global reputation stems from electrifying performances that blend innovation with tradition, while our educational initiatives provide accessible, high-quality dance instruction to underserved communities. With a commitment to breaking barriers, Philadanco continues to inspire audiences and artists worldwide through its dynamic performances and transformative arts education programs.

Services

Professional Dance Performances Dance Education Programs Youth Training Companies Community Workshops Summer Intensive Programs

Details

Year established: 1970

Highlights and features

We offer over 50 years of experience in professional dance training and performance.
Our company preserves and innovates African-American dance traditions globally.
We provide free and subsidized dance education programs for underserved communities.
Our internationally renowned instructors have trained dancers for top-tier companies.
We combine artistic excellence with community engagement through workshops and tours.

Website

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Services

Professional Dance Performances

Philadanco delivers electrifying performances that blend innovation with African-American dance traditions. Our company tours nationally and internationally, showcasing works by leading choreographers. Each performance highlights technical mastery, cultural storytelling, and artistic excellence, making us a globally recognized dance ensemble.

Dance Education Programs

Our year-round programs provide training in ballet, modern, jazz, and African dance styles. Classes are taught by internationally renowned instructors, emphasizing technical skill development and artistic growth. Programs cater to youth, emerging professionals, and community members through accessible, often free, instruction.

Youth Training Companies

D/2 Apprentice Company and D/3 Youth Ensemble train dancers aged 6-23 for professional careers. Participants receive rigorous instruction, performance opportunities, and mentorship. These programs serve as pipelines to professional dance companies while fostering leadership and artistic development in young artists.

Community Workshops

We partner with schools and community organizations to deliver dance education through workshops and lecture-demonstrations. These initiatives increase access to the arts, particularly in underserved areas. Programs emphasize cultural appreciation, physical health, and creative expression for diverse audiences.

Summer Intensive Programs

Six-week summer programs offer specialized training in African, hip-hop, and jazz dance forms. Participants attend daily classes with master instructors and attend professional performances. Scholarships ensure accessibility, while the DANCO on DANCO concert showcases emerging choreographers' works.

People

Joan Myers Brown

Founder

A visionary leader in dance, Joan Myers Brown founded Philadanco in 1970 to create opportunities for dancers of color. Her legacy includes establishing the International Association of Blacks in Dance and nurturing generations of artists through innovative programming.

Donald Lunsford, II

Artistic Director of D/2

Donald Lunsford, II leads Philadanco's D/2 Apprentice Company, mentoring young dancers aged 15-23. With expertise in professional dance training, he prepares emerging artists for careers through rigorous instruction and performance opportunities in Philadelphia and beyond.

Marlisa Brown Swint

Director of Operations

Marlisa Brown Swint oversees Philadanco's operational management, ensuring seamless program execution and touring logistics. Her leadership supports the company's mission to deliver world-class dance education and performances while maintaining organizational excellence.

Questions

What is PHILADANCO!'s mission?

We promote African-American dance traditions through professional performances and accessible education programs that empower diverse communities.

How can youth join your training programs?

Youth can audition for D/2, D/3, or summer programs. Many classes are free or subsidized for financial accessibility.

Do you offer community workshops?

Yes, we partner with schools and organizations to provide dance workshops and lecture-demonstrations across Philadelphia and beyond.

How can I support PHILADANCO!?

Support through donations, corporate sponsorships, or volunteering helps sustain our artistic and educational initiatives.

Where do you perform?

We tour nationally and internationally, with performances at venues like the Kimmel Center and international festivals.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Emerson B.

Jul 13, 2019 Report

Used to like this dance school until I watched the OWNER of the school aggressively put her hands on another child. Not only is it unprofessional it is ILLEGAL. I did not see if they have security cameras but knowing the rachetness they probably dont. If your child is here do not leave them alone

Trudy Major

Jan 04, 2019 Report

I give Philadanco 5 stars! My daughter n I love to dance. My daughter started at Philadanco at the age of 4. She took ballet and she still do ballet at Philadanco at the age of 8. She's working on her 5th recital.
Doing Ballet, Jazz and Tap! I have taken a few Tap classes at Philadanco myself. We have so much fun! My daughter n I just love this dance school. The staff and teachers are friendly, caring and patient and will work with you at wathever level you at from the beginning level or advance they make you feel comfortable and welcomed. It's really a great dance school.

Femi Tilley

Aug 01, 2018 Report

I love philidanco ,the dance teachers are awesome and I love that the owner was born in the time of segregation, so she created a dance school for colored woman . Even though she created it for that reason we still accept all races we are not racism. So I really suggest philidanco if you like to dance and perform on stage at the recital

Marreshia Hunley

Jul 21, 2018 Report

I love this place been here since 2009. Everyone is like family great dance studio and even better dance company. I recommend if you have children or even you're a dancer yourself philadanco/dance arts is the place to be

Shawn Carter

Jul 01, 2018 Report

The absolute best dance school in the tri state area to teach and train children the proper way of learning the dance art craft and to be successful human beings in life! My daughter went there for 15 years and graduated from this prestigious dance school!!! This dance school is totally awesome.