The Philadelphia Dance Company, or PHILADANCO, will perform Oct. 21 as part of Northeastern Illinois University’s Jewel Box Series. The performance, which will be co-presented by the Ruth Page Dance Series, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium on the Main Campus, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.
In addition to the Oct. 21 evening performance at Northeastern Illinois University, there will be a free preview performance for Northeastern students at 10 a.m. PHILADANCO will also present a master class at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts on Oct. 20 for intermediate to advanced-level students. The events are funded in part by a grant from the Arts Midwest Touring Fund.
PHILADANCO presents the highest quality of professional dance performance and improves the skills of emerging and professional dancers and choreographers in a nurturing environment, while increasing the appreciation of dance among its many communities. Across the nation and around the world, PHILADANCO is celebrated for its innovation, creativity and preservation of predominantly African-American traditions in dance. Recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers and electrifying performances, PHILADANCO is committed to empowering youth with crucial development skills that facilitate achievement and success in the world of dance and everyday life.
The program includes:
“Between the Lines”
Choreographer: Francisco Gella
“Between the Lines” is a work that was created and inspired by the architectural drawings of Frank Lloyd Wright, who himself was inspired by Beethoven’s lush compositions. Wright often stated that whenever he listened to Beethoven’s music he saw movement and design. The dance illustrates a certain architectural flair with more than a hint of romanticism while drawing influences from choreographic legend Gene Hill Sagan and the classical idiom.
“A Movement for Five”
Choreographer: Dawn Marie Bazemore
Inspired by the events surrounding the “Central Park 5,” this piece aims to uncover the structure of a community and socio-political system that failed to protect the lives of five innocent young boys living in Harlem in 1989.
“Folded Prism”
Choreographer: Thang Dao
A full company work infusing the choreographic imagery of Thang Dao set to the hypnotic original music compilation by John Levis.
“Latched”
Choreographer: Christopher L. Huggins
A pas de six, danced in the brilliant essence of Christopher Huggins’ amazing choreographic style, “Latched” is about latching on to another body, soul and spirit. Though a fight to pull away, it is irresistible in finding new ways to latch on to each other even when trying to detach.
This performance is a part of the Jewel Box Series, an eight-concert professional performing arts series presented by Northeastern’s Office of Cultural Events.
Tickets are $25, $17.50 and $5 and can be purchased online or by calling (773) 442-4636. Parking permits are required.
The PHILADANCO master class will be held Oct. 20 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at
Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. in Chicago. Tickets are $20; free to Ruth Page School of Dance students.
