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Photo by Louis Greenfield for Philadanco

Post by Shauna Pelkey

The Perelman Theater is now showcasing Philadanco – which is, without question, the ultimate antidote for the dreary forecast. This was my first Philadanco experience and I was blown away by the dance company’s power, precision and (to my surprise) personality.

As technical dancers they hit every note, leaving the audience spellbound. As performers they entertained and engaged the crowd with their stories told through movement.

The company performed four dances. They began with Pulse, a mesmerizing flow of movement and energy, choreographed by Daniel Ezralow. Suite Otis followed with a rush of energy in the theatrical performance inspired by the late Otis Redding. Suite Otis’ choreographer, George Faison, infused a good dose of humor into his tale of boy meets girl. Bolero, choreographed by Christopher L. Huggins, entertained from beginning to end. All I recall are flashes of red and black as the ensemble leaped, twirled and threw their way through this adrenaline pumped performance.

And last but certainly not least, the Company’s women closed the show with The Walkin’, Talkin’, Signifying Blues Hips, Lowdown, Throwdown “Batty Moves,” choreographed by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar. Originally choreographed for Urban Bush Women the Philadanco ladies translated every last “Batty Moves” (better known as “butt” in Jamaican slang) with attitude. I still haven’t figured out how they survived this marathon of dance with such effortlessness.

Philadanco’s 40th anniversary season celebration, Jubilee, is an absolute must see that will not disappoint. Hurry, there are only three days left.

Philadanco
Now through Sunday 15, 2009

Kimmel Center
Broad and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19131
www.kimmelcenter.org