The Hylton Center Announces Engagement Activities with Acclaimed Dance Company PHILADANCO!

Zoe Harr — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:28:42 +0000

The Hylton Center Announces Engagement Activities with Acclaimed Dance Company PHILADANCO! Zoe Harr Wed, 02/28/2024 - 14:28

PHILADANCO! dancer

The Philadelphia Dance Company, better known as PHILADANCO!, is widely recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances. On March 15, PHILADANCO! will perform a dynamic program at the Hylton Center and, as a Hylton Center Artist-in-Residence.

Formed in 1970 by Joan Myers Brown, a barrier-breaking African American ballet dancer, PHILADANCO! launched to provide artistic opportunities for Black dancers who were denied membership in local dance schools. In the company’s Hylton Center debut, PHILADANCO!’s “impressively skilled dancers” (New York Times) will present Francisco Gella’s Seasons, set to Max Richter’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons;" Ephrat Asherie’s out-side-in, an exuberant, theatrical version of breaking and house dancing; Ray Mercer’s This Place, a festive and technically challenging work set to Bongi Duma’s music; and Anthony Burrell’s Conglomerate, which he calls “a rich history of Black Dance in Philadelphia.”

PHILADANCO!’s Artistic Director, Kim Y. Bears-Bailey, expands upon the company’s excitement to be a 2023–24 Artist-in-Residence. She notes, “PHILADANCO! is thrilled to have an opportunity to connect with the Hylton and George Mason University communities of all ages through the Art of Dance & Conversations. These interactions will have a long-lasting effect on all. PHILADANCO!’s performance will indeed be an exciting culmination of this amazing interactive week."

“PHILADANCO! is a legendary dance company with a strong and longstanding commitment to education. We are looking forward to the company sharing their expertise and artistic vision with our community members.”
-Hylton Center Education Coordinator, Marit Majeske

As an Artist-in-Residence, the artists will work with the community through classes and workshops surrounding their Hylton Center performance, which includes the following engagement highlights:

Lifelong Learning Institute of Manassas (LLI) Lecture Demonstration

Company members will lead a class about the history of the company, along with a discussion of the repertoire that will be part of their Hylton Presents performance on March 15. This class will also include gentle movement for those who wish to participate.

Masterclass with George Mason University School of Dance

Dance majors from Mason School of Dance will participate in masterclasses with members of the company.

Visit to Hunters Woods Elementary School

First grade students from Hunters Woods Elementary School in Reston will participate in an interactive movement session and watch a short demonstration from members of the company. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions from the artists.

Colgan High School Dance Masterclass

Dance students from Colgan High School’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts program will participate in a masterclass with members of the company.

Masterclass at the Dance Institute of Washington

The Hylton Center and Dance Institute of Washington (DIW) will collaborate to offer a masterclass with members of the company for Intermediate to Advanced D.C. dancers as part of DIW's Community on 14th programming—an initiative that provides networking and training opportunities through dance classes, seminars, workshops, talkbacks, and discussions that facilitates creative careers in dance and the arts for D.C. talent.

Conversation with the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce

PHILADANCO! founder and Artistic Advisor Joan Myers Brown will participate in a moderated conversation with members of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.

Get your tickets today for PHILADANCO!’s electrifying Hylton Center performance on March 15, plus enjoy watching their talented group of dancers below:

A pre-performance discussion with PHILADANCO! Artistic Director Kim Y. Bears-Bailey and Rehearsal Director Tracy Vogt, moderated by Mason School of Dance Professor Lawrence M. Jackson, will take place one hour prior to the performance.

Learn more about the Hylton Center's Artist-in Residence program and how these residencies create spaces for transformational experiences to happen.

In This Story

Marit Majeske

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Learn More About Artist-in-Residence Program

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Campus News

Hylton Artist-in-Residence Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience Host a Week of Activities

Zoe Harr — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:04:21 +0000

Hylton Artist-in-Residence Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience Host a Week of Activities Zoe Harr Wed, 01/25/2023 - 13:04

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Hylton Artist-in-Residence Program

As part of an extensive residency leading up to their February 25 performances at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 2022/2023 Hylton Artist-in-Residence Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience will participate in at least five events over the course of a week, including the following:

Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience come to the Hylton Center on Feburary 25.

A classroom discussion with Musical Technology students at Colgan High School, featuring how Simien has a fruitful career while playing specifically roots music, the evolution of music production and where things stand now, and how to monetize your career.
A lecture and performance with students at Potomac Shores Middle School, exploring the Creole culture of south Louisiana and the American roots music genre, Zydeco, that is the traditional folk music of the Black and multiracial French-speaking Creoles of Louisiana. Terrance Simien will be joined by his band the Zydeco Experience.
A discussion with George Mason University students in a “Folklore Theory and History” course taught by Prof. Lijun Zhang, conversing about Creole culture and Zydeco music.
A lecture and demonstration for the Lifelong Learning Institute of Manassas. Participants will meet Terrance and the members of his group to learn about their backgrounds and how they came to perform Zydeco music. Simien will lead a discussion on the roots and history of this Black roots music genre, followed by a demo of some of the instruments that make up their band.
A digital classroom discussion with George Mason University Arts Management students and alumni.
Two field trip performances, Creole for Kidz, for students in Prince William County, City of Manassas, and City of Manassas Park.

After a delightful collection of community activities, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience finishes its time with its two highly anticipated performances at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on February 25. An 8^th generation Louisiana Creole, Simien has dedicated his career to shattering myths about what indigenous Zydeco roots music is—and is not.

Grab your tickets and don’t miss your chance to experience the soulful, rootsy sound of one of the most respected and accomplished artists in American roots music today!

Each season, the Hylton Performing Arts Center invites artists and ensembles with distinctive and innovative artistic voices to make the Hylton their home for a residency. Hylton Artists-in-Residence participate in a variety of activities, designed to engage and inspire the diverse audiences both at the venue and in the community. Learn more about the Hylton Artist-in-Residence program.

This engagement of Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience is made possible through the ArtsCONNECT program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Hylton

Hylton Center

Artist in Residence

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Arts Management Program

folklore