Philadanco's program this weekend, entitled "In the Black Tradition," showcased the versatile company's range on the stage of the Perelman Theater. The Philadelphia-based company is known for their athleticism, and particularly their two world premieres reinforced their reputation.
I enjoyed watching the first two pieces in Philadanco's program, but I wasn't floored (I think my standards have gone up after Alvin Ailey). I was starting to wonder if the company I had heard raved about so often could be a bit overrated. "Ritornello," choreographed to the music of Johann Sebastion Bach was technically on point but seemed too traditinal for the company's style. "Such Sweet Morning," choreographed to Duke Ellington's song of that title, illustrated the company's musicality, because the jazziness of the piece made for a very irregular beat.
The whole tone of the performance changed, however, in the second act - from technical prowess to exuberant fun. "From Dawn 'til Dusk" was a world premiere about women's empowerment. The all-female set of dancers seemed almost moved by an exterior force as they flung themselves about the stage powerfully in their burnt umber dresses. As they raised themselves off the floor again and again with the effortlessness only dancers can pull off the audience began mumuring and finally crying out their approval. The final piece, "Commitments" was also a world premiere, and it was very erotic. The stage opened with a set of male dangers in long skirts performing almost ritualistic dance, and then a set of women in showgirl-like outfits and feathers emerged to irreverently seduce them. One dancer actually threw herself across the stage, landing atop a male dancer's shoulders and wrapping her legs around his neck. The dancers were having so much fun in this piece, and it really showed. Philadanco did live up to their reputation after all.
