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Spring fling with Contemporary West, the Lady Hoofers, and more
The Month in Philly Dance for May 2026
Camille Bacon-Smith
It is hard to build an audience if nobody knows you exist. Recently I had a chat with an artistic director about how difficult it is to get noticed in Philadelphia. Artists hope to catch the interest of the press, but coverage is down all over as arts journalism feels the pinch of tight funding. BSR covers as much as it can, but we feel the pinch here too. This column is a way for dance to reach its audience, but that conversation got me thinking. What if you’re an artist or company that hasn’t seen your performances mentioned? My address is in my bio, so just drop me a line! In the meantime, dance is bursting out like May flowers all over town.
Have a Spring Fling with Contemporary West Dance Theater
Friday, May 1, 7:30pm
Saturday, May 2, 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Fringe Arts Theatre, 140 North Columbus Boulevard
This year, Philly native Bernard Gaddis brought his Las Vegas contemporary dance company home. The final performance of the season features Gaddis as choreographer with the premiere of Starburst, his salute to America’s 250th anniversary. Earlier works on the program include his l’amore l’amore l’amore, and excerpts from Sacrifus, Steel & Bones and Liaison.
Project Moshen: Remnants—What Remains After Love
Saturday, May 2, 7pm
Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street
The all-women jazz dance company presents a performance about love and loss choreographed by artistic director Kelli Moshen. 3 Widows explores the grief and resilience of women experiencing loss and regaining their sense of power through their connections with each other. The second half of the program reaches for growth and healing.
Alliance Française de Philadelphie presents: EUPHRATE
Thursday, May 7, 7:30pm
Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street
This is one of the performances I am most excited about this month. In the one-woman show, performer Nil Bosca uses dance and the spoken word to explore her Turkish identity through the character Euphrate, a 17-year-old senior in high school. Euphrate is pressed to make decisions about her future and questions the influence her French and Turkish heritages have on her struggles both at school and in life. (Presented in French with English subtitles.)
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble Spring Concert Series
Saturday, May 9, 2pm and 7pm
The Harold Prince Theater, 3680 Walnut Street
The Lady Hoofers are always fun, and they’ll be presenting a number of premieres and the return of some favorites. The company promises a new work by choreographer Dre Torres, set to an Afro-Cuban beat, and premieres by former company members Becky Mastin and Gregory Williams. I loved Williams’ 2023 Intrusivity, created with Tara Tucci when they were students at Rowan University (I reviewed it here), and I am excited to see his new work.
Live, Life, Love—A Celebration of American Music & Dance
Friday, May 15, 7:30pm
Saturday, May 16, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 17, 12pm
Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street
This is another one I’ve been waiting for. Charles Askegard, world-renowned dancer and current rehearsal director for the Philadelphia Ballet, was the DanceVisions resident choreographer at the Performance Garage this year, and he’s been preparing a slate of dances to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. For an all-American program, he looked to the great but lesser-known composers Florence Price and William Grant Still, as well as the popular work of Philip Glass. Favorite stars from the Philadelphia Ballet will be doing the dancing.
Martha Graham Dance Company
Friday, May 29, 7:30pm
Saturday, May 30, 2pm and 7pm
Harold L. Zellerbach Theater, 3680 Walnut Street
This performance, part of Penn Live Art’s American Unfinished lineup, brings together two great American companies: the iconic Martha Graham Dance and our own PHILADANCO! The program includes works from the MGDC repertory, and also a new work by Hope Boykin. Danco dancers will join the Graham dancers on stage for the premiere of choreographer and co-artistic director Tommie-Waheed Evans for the world premiere of his in case of fire, speak, a co-commission of Penn Live Arts and ArtPhilly.
And Also
Dare 2 Dance presents: Skoolin' Life
Sunday, May 3, 5pm and 8pm
Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street
Temple University’s dance team, Dare 2 Dance, presents a variety of styles from contemporary, to jazz, to house.
BalletX PopUp
Monday, May 18, 5:30pm
Philadelphia Art Museum East Entrance Stairs, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
BalletX will present a sneak peek at its upcoming Four Seasons. If the spirit moves you, join the audience participation flash mob.
Mural Arts’ Black Dance Mural Confab #2
Sunday, May 23, 2pm
Parkway Central Library, 1907 Vine Street
Part of the continuing conversation leading to the reveal of the Black Dance Legacy mural. Conveners Karen Warrington and Jovida Hill will lead the discussion with Philadelphia chief cultural officer Val Gay, former dancer Paulette Poole-Phillip, and members of the audience.
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