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Across the country and the world, PHILADANCO is known for its innovation, creativity and preservation of major African American dance traditions.
From Friday, October 28th to Sunday, October 30th, the venerable dance company founded by Joan Myers Brown more than half a century ago brings a new dance called Continuum – Now/New. The show returns to the Perelman Theater/Next on the Kimmel Cultural Campus. “
The performances will feature choreography by PHILADANCO alumni who attribute their success to their pivotal time with the troupe and ultimately set the stage for their thriving careers. They include Hope Boykin, Bernard Gaddis, Francisco Gella and Ephrat Asherie.
Take Boykin, for example. During her work with PHILADANCO, she received the New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Award. She is also an original member of The Color Contemporary Ballet and recently retired from The Alvin Ailey American DanceTheatre after 20 years.
Boykin is a dancer, choreographer, educator, director, writer and speaker originally from Durham, North Carolina. She said she has always loved dancing and realized early on that she really needed to dance.
“As a young girl, I had the opportunity to dance. While I didn’t know dance would end up being something I could do forever, I’m here today!”
To that end, Boykin first set off for Howard University to pursue his dreams and hone his craft. But halfway through, she decided to try what she had learned.
Over the years, she has proven that she has learned a lot. She has choreographed for numerous dance companies, created productions for BalletX, and was a keynote speaker at Lincoln Center Activate, a national education forum, among others.
Today, she works more behind the scenes and enjoys her time as a choreographer. But does she have a preference?
She said: “I do. I think it’s time for other people to share the spotlight and take to the stage. It’s not that I feel like I’m too old to act. I just prefer the idea that comes up every now and then.
“Right now,” she continued, “there is room for other people to show their talent. Now I can share the stage and at the same time share the information I’ve learned over the years. I think I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. I think I’m right here. In space. I should be now.”
And for Boykin, who has been in the spotlight all these years, she said she couldn’t deny there was a special joy.
“That’s when the dancers came up to me and said how much they had learned from me. You know the old saying: ‘If I can touch a guy, then I’ve done my job! “
Hoping to continue to inspire many, Boykin admits that’s exactly how she feels. “I’m constantly thinking about what I’m doing, why and how. If I can realize it all — and believe it — then I’ll be fine!”
To purchase tickets, call 215-893-1999.
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