Your spring arts lineup: dance (with video)
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
We picked these highlights of the upcoming dance season out just for you — and found videos for each one, too.
Philadanco
Susan Rethorst/Group Motion
Acclaimed New York choreographer Susan Rethorst presents a sublime slice of everyday life with THEN, a new work performed by Group Motion, which finds fascinating underpinnings to our regular routines.
Jan. 16-19, Arts Bank, groupmotion.org.
Gabrielle Revlock
Philly’s reigning queen of quirky dance pairs up with an offbeat array of partners, including an actor, a classical Indian dancer and her mom. When the duets overlap, hijinks ensue.
Jan. 24-25, Annenberg Center, pennpresents.org.
Arch 8
An ideal show for introducing youngsters to the art of dance by a dynamic Dutch company known for adventurous athletic movement that’s as challenging as it is entertaining. Invigorating on many levels.
Feb. 1-2, Painted Bride Art Center, paintedbride.org.
Take It Away Dance
Engaging tap and contemporary works are accompanied by a live jazz band for an intimate percussive movement event.
Feb. 8, The Iron Factory, takeitawaydance.com.
Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance
Ballet meets Broadway, hip-hop, tango and contemporary dance with this crew of buff, limber lads whose presentations are like live pop music videos.
Feb. 20-22, Annenberg Center, pennpresents.org.
2014 Flamenco Festival
Pasion y Arte’s annual fest brings in master innovators of flamenco: Israel and Pastora Galván plus Rosario Toledo. Come to see thoroughbred performers and be ready to shout out many an enthusiastic olé!
March 3-16, various locations, pasionyarteflamenco.org.
Doug Elkins Choreography, etc.
An eclectic Vitamixer of dance, Elkins likes to blends high art, social and street styles in a joyful jumble of parodies. This time he spoofs Othello, The Moor’s Pavane and antics of the silent film era.
March 6-8, Annenberg Center, pennpresents.org.
Subcircle
Be ready for a mind-altering theatrical adventure when Jorge and Niki Cousineau set surreal conceptual works within unique atmospheres. If things seem out of context, well, that’s the point.
April 3-5, Performance Garage, subcircle.org.
Camille Brown Dancers
Brown’s poignant yet humorous Mr. TOL E. RAncE provides a lively look at black minstrelsy past and present. Provocative energetic dance-theater.
April 11-12, Painted Bride, paintedbride.org.
Philadanco
The current corps of this fine, fierce company ranks among the best of ’Danco’s storied history. This Blood, Sweat and Dance program promises to handily highlight its versatile chops.
April 17-19, Kimmel Center, kimmelcenter.org.
Shen Yun
This show of dance, music and song takes you on a fanciful journey as it brings myths and heroes of Chinese culture to life. Replete with large cast, sumptuous backdrops and full orchestra, even calling it an extravaganza is an understatement.
April 25-27. Merriam Theater, kimmelcenter.org.
Momix
Momix’s inventive brand of dance illusion will be in high gear with Alchemia, a whimsical exploration of the four elements. Always a visual and sensual delight, Momix transforms bodies and props in spectacular ways.
May 8-11, Annenberg Center, pennpresents.org.
Pennsylvania Ballet
PAB celebrates the end of its 50th season with an edgy abstract work by William Forsythe, a world premiere by resident choreographer Matthew Neenan, plus another piece TBD.
June 12-15, Merriam Theater, kimmelcenter.org.
