8/15/19 O&A NYC DANCE: The Bessies Honor Dance Pioneer Joan Myers Brown

By Walter Rutledge

The New York Dance and Performance Awards also known as The Bessies will honor Philadelphia dance matriarch Joan Myers Brown with the 2019 Bessie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Dance. “[Brown’s] work has inspired dancers and educated audiences in ways that have enriched and strengthened dance in our country and we look forward to celebrating [her] accomplishments,” said Lucy Sexton, executive director of the New York Dance and Performance Awards. The award will be presented at the 35th annual Bessie Awards ceremony on Monday, October 14, at 7:30pm, at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place, New York. Continue reading

(Repost) 2/9/24 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: A Conversation with Unstoppable Joan Myers Brown

By Walter Rutledge

“On Saturday, April 19, 2014, Out and About NYC Magazine had the pleasure to talk Joan Myers Brown, the driving force behind the success of the Philadelphia Dance Company beloved called Philadanco. In the almost ten years since this interview this living tribute to black dance and the Philadelphia arts tradition (both Brown and the company) are still Philly’s finest. The company is on full display this week at New York City’s Joyce Theater through tomorrow Saturday Febraury 10th for three performances. We repost this interview because despite international acclaim the struggle continues. “- Walter Rutledge Continue reading

10/14/14 O&A NYC: A Conversation with Philadanco Founder Joan Myers Brown and Author Brenda Dixon Gottschild (Repost)

By Walter Rutledge

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In The Art of War author Sun Tzu reveals, “…When people are skillfully led into battle, the momentum is like that of round rocks rolling down a high mountain – this is force.” This statement also applies to Philadelphia’s unstoppable force- Joan Myers Brown. Joan Myers Brown and The Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina, a Biohistory of American Performance by Brenda Dixon Gottschild chronicles the evolution of African-American dance and culture in Philadelphia.

Continue reading

O & A NYC: A Conversation with Philadanco Founder Joan Myers Brown and Author Brenda Dixon Gottschild

By Walter Rutledge

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In The Art of War author Sun Tzu reveals, “…When people are skillfully led into battle, the momentum is like that of round rocks rolling down a high mountain – this is force.” This statement also applies to Philadelphia’s unstoppable force- Joan Myers Brown. Joan Myers Brown and The Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina, a Biohistory of American Performance by Brenda Dixon Gottschild chronicles the evolution of African American dance and culture in Philadelphia. Continue reading