Nationally and internationally, PHILADANCO is celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of its predominantly African-American dance heritage.
And from Friday, October 28th to Sunday, October 30th, the esteemed dance company founded by Joan Myers Brown more than half a century ago will take over the Kimmel Cultural Campus in a new show titled “Continuum – Now/New.” Return to the Perelman Theater in /Next. “
The performances feature the choreography of the Filadanko alumni who attributed their success to the pivotal hours they spent dancing with the theater company and ultimately laid the foundation for their thriving careers. , Bernard Gaddis, Francisco Guerra and Ephrat Ashley.
Take Boykin for example. Received the New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Award while in Philadanco. He is also an original member of Complexion’s Contemporary Ballet and recently retired from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater after 20 years.
A dancer, choreographer, educator, director, author, and speaker, Boykin is from Durham, North Carolina. She has always loved to dance and she said she realized early on that she really needed to dance.
“I was given the opportunity to dance when I was young, and I didn’t know dancing would be something I could do forever, but today I am here!
To that end, Boykin first left for Howard University to pursue his dreams and hone his skills. But along the way, she decided to put her learning to the test.
And over the years she has proven that she has learned a lot. Keynote speaker for Activate.
Today she works more behind the scenes and enjoys her time as a choreographer. But does she have her preferences?
she says. I think it’s time for her to put the spotlight on others and put them on stage. Just because she is, she’s not saying she’s too old to act. I just like the idea of showing up from time to time.
“Now there is room for other people to show their talent. Now I can share the stage while sharing what I have learned over the years. I think I am doing exactly what I am supposed to do.” I think I’m right in space, I should be right now.
And for Boykin, after years in the spotlight, there’s a special joy she says she can’t deny.
“And then dancers would come up to me and say how much they had learned from me. The old saying goes, ‘If I can touch just one person, I’ve done my job!'” You know
Boykin, who hopes to continue to inspire many, admits that that’s exactly how she feels. And if I can see it all and believe it, I’m fine!”
Call 215-893-1999 for tickets.
