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Fall in Love, Don't Stop Me Now, and The Evolution Tour
The Month in Philly Dance, February 2026
Camille Bacon-Smith
February is the coldest month, but the days are growing longer, as if the world were reaching for springtime. It’s the month of love, for each other and for the arts that sustain us. And like harbingers of spring, dance is popping out all over. So much dance this month!
Step Afrika!, The Evolution Tour
Saturday, February 7, 7pm
Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street
Years ago, I happened on the Virginia HBCU Greek Picnic. Fraternities were stepping—half percussive dance, half march—down the street, and the exuberance, discipline, and power in the formations took my breath away. Step Afrika! promises the same breath-taking percussive formations in a performance that also presents African and contemporary dance.
Don’t Stop Me Now
Tuesday, February 10, 8pm
Icebox Project Space, 1400 North American Street
This one ticks all the boxes for me: a chance to rock out as 12 local choreographers create short works to the music of Queen. Terry Fox, a voice of innovative dance in Philadelphia, will be there, as well as choreographer (and event organizer) Paige Phillips, Meredith Rainey, Silvana Cardell, and others.
Contemporary West Dance Theatre, Fall in Love
Friday, February 13, 7:30pm
Saturday, February 14, 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Fringe Arts Theatre, 140 North Columbus Boulevard
CWDT returns to the Fringe Arts Theater for a Valentine’s day special, with Vespers, choreographed by choreographer Ulysses Dove and two pieces by artistic director Bernard Gaddis, including his Mood Azule (Indigo).
Compagnie Virginie Brunelle, Fable
Friday, February 20, 7:30pm
Saturday, February 21, 2pm
Harold L. Zellerbach Theater, 3680 Walnut Street
This is another one I am looking forward to. It’s Brunelle’s first visit to Philadelphia, and her 2023 piece, Fables, is getting its US premiere here. In a series of set-pieces it takes a harsh look at the struggles of women in the world today and how they rise above them. Not for the kids—some of the scenes are pretty intense, and there is a warning for nudity.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Friday, February 27, 7:30pm
Saturday, February 28, 2pm and 7:30pm
March 1, 2pm
Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street
Alvin Ailey is one of my favorite visiting companies, so I always look forward to seeing them. They’ll be bringing Revelations, which unfolds with something new to discover every time I see it, but I am particularly looking forward to seeing new works this year, including our own Matthew Neenan’s Difference Between and Jamar Roberts’ Song of the Anchorite.
Nimbus Dance
Saturday, February 27, 8pm
Bickford Theatre, The Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ
Nimbus Dance will present ANIMA a work in three chapters (Falling Sky, Patch of Turf, and Dark Water) created over ten years by founder and artistic director Samuel Pott in collaboration with composer Qasim Naqvi. Pott is a former soloist with Martha Graham Dance and promises an evening of intense and poignant dance.
And also
Philadelphia Ballet Pop Up Weekend at the Philadelphia Art Museum
February 6, 6pm
February 7, 12pm and 3pm
Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The company will be performing Juliano Nunes’ Connections. Before the noon show on Saturday there will be a reception at 10am and a panel discussion at 10:30am about the costume design for Nunes’ new Romeo and Juliet. The performance will include excerpts from the new work.
Nichole Canuso Dance Company, Work in Progress: Lunar Retreat
February 7, 2pm
Fringe Arts Theatre, 140 North Columbus Boulevard
Nichole Mancuso creates contemplative experiences, and she is developing a new work that centers our relationship with nature. Tickets are limited.
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