Chris Davis presents One-Man Nutcracker

A magical reimagining, back for 2023

Chris Davis has been bringing his fresh and
funny one-man take on The Nutcracker to Philly theaters since 2019. This year, the still-delightful show lands at the Drake. An Nichols reviews.

An Nichols

Dec 15, 2023 · Reviews · 2 minute read

PHILADANCO! presents Intangible Influences

Premieres and a tribute to Gene Hill Sagan

PHILADANCO! honors late resident choreographer Gene Hill Sagan in a program also including two company premieres and two world premieres featuring returning and new choreographers. Melissa Strong reviews.

Melissa Strong

Dec 12, 2023 · Reviews · 4 minute read

PHILADANCO! presents Intangible Influences

Reflections through dance

PHILADANCO! opens the stage with a program featuring the works of new and familiar choreographers, touching on intimate stories and reflections. Camille Bacon-Smith previews.

Camille Bacon-Smith

Dec 06, 2023 · Previews · 3 minute read

First-ever tour brings Dorrance Dance’s Nutcracker Suite to Penn Live Arts

Tapping into Black vernacular tradition in the snow

The New York City tap dance company pays a visit to Philly this weekend with a unique take on the winter classic. Eileen B. Fisher previews.

Eileen B. Fisher

Dec 06, 2023 · Previews · 2 minute read

Has Philly lost touch with the true musical roots of tap dance?

Tap dance is much more than learning the steps

The true art of tap, including historic Philly dancers, has its roots in collaboration and improvisation, not recorded music or memorized choreography. Philly tap dance leader Pamela Hetherington explains.

Pamela Hetherington

Nov 28, 2023 · Essays · 5 minute read

Koresh Dance Company presents Ronen Koresh’s Aftershock

Where the journey home stands 25 years later

Koresh Dance Company reflects on choreographer Ronen Koresh’s emotional journey as an Israeli immigrant and an artist in Aftershock. Camille Bacon-Smith previews.

Camille Bacon-Smith

Nov 08, 2023 · Previews · 4 minute read

BalletX presents its 2023 Fall Series, featuring Jamar Roberts, Jennifer Archibald, and Matthew Neenan

Cheering for another series

In its 2023 Fall Series, BalletX presents Eros & Psyche by Jamar Roberts, Exalt by Jennifer Archibald, and the world premiere of Siete by Matthew Neenan. Melissa Strong reviews.

Melissa Strong

Oct 23, 2023 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Philadelphia ballerinas share the challenging magic of life in pointe shoes

What’s the pointe?

Ballet dancers cannot just step into the iconic shoes. They must master a difficult technique and make a lifelong quest for the perfect pointe, but these Philly ballerinas tell Camille Bacon-Smith that it’s all worth it.

Camille Bacon-Smith

Oct 17, 2023 · Features · 7 minute read

The Philadelphia Ballet presents Angel Corella’s Carmen

A well-known story with a sexy edge

Opera fans know the story, but in this world-premiere original long-form ballet by Philadelphia Ballet director Angel Corella, Carmen gets a sexy edge. Camille Bacon-Smith reviews.

Camille Bacon-Smith

Oct 09, 2023 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Performance Garage presents When Yesterday Meets Tomorrow: Being Black in Ballet Today

Dancing into the conversation

Performance Garage presents a free panel discussion on being Black in ballet with 2023-2024 DanceVisions resident artist Meredith Rainey, choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans, and founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet Theresa Ruth Howard. Melissa Strong previews.

Melissa Strong

Oct 04, 2023 · Profiles · 4 minute read