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Philadelphia Dance Company Records

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Held at: Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center [Contact Us]

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.

Overview and metadata sections

Call Number:
SCRC 438
Repository:
Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center
Extent:
5.3 linear feet (16 boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred Citation:
[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], Philadelphia Dance Company Records, Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Date:
1968-2014, bulk 1968-2005 (inclusive)
Creator:
Philadelphia Dance Company
Form:
Administrative records, Audiocassettes, Born digital, Clippings, Correspondence, Ephemera, Floppy disks, Manuscripts, Minutes (administrative records), Negatives, Newsletters, Periodicals, Photographs, Playbills, Posters, Publications (documents), Reports, Sound recordings, VHS (TM), video recordings (physical artifacts), and Web sites
Abstract:

Philadanco, a non-profit professional dance company located in Philadelphia, PA, was founded by Joan Myers Brown in 1970. The mission of the company is to preserve African American dance traditions and to provide training and performance opportunities for minority and non-minority dancers. Known for innovative dance training programs and support systems, Philadanco provides choreographic workshops, counseling, low-cost master classes, free professional level classes, and dancewear to members of its programs. The company receives support from corporate foundations, individual donors, the city of Philadelphia, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Philadanco conducts lecture demonstrations for young audiences in schools and community centers in the Philadelphia area. They perform with world-renowned orchestras and many popular celebrities, locally, on tour, and on national television. Philadanco is internationally recognized for its artistic integrity, highly trained dancers, and initiatives to further development of African American choreographers.

In 1988, under the leadership of Ms. Myers Brown, Philadanco organized the first International Conference on Black Dance Companies. In 1992, the International Association of Blacks in Dance was formed with Ms. Myers Brown as the honorary chair. In 1997, she was one of only five African American women receiving the Women in Dance Living Legends award for her contributions to modern dance.

The bulk of the collection consists of performance programs, photographs, marketing materials, and publicity. Organizational records are limited, and include scattered minutes of the board of directors, correspondence, two annual reports, and a development plan. This collection includes preserved versions of the organization's website, available through Archive-It

The collection is arranged into 7 series as follows:

Series 1: Audiovisual, 1968-1996, undated

Series 2: Business and finances, 1968-1996, undated

Series 3: Performances and events, 1972-2004, undated

Series 4: Photographs, 1979-1992, undated

Series 5: Publicity, 1972-2005, undated

Series 6: Miscellaneous, 1976-2004, undated

Series 7: Website versions in Archive-It, 2014

Additions to this collection are expected. Websites are captured using Archive-It periodically, and the latest additions may not yet be included in this finding aid. For information on material-physical and digital, including captured websites-that may have been added since the last finding aid update, please contact the Special Collections Research Center.

Acquired from the Philadelphia Dance Company between 2004-2005.

https://us.preservica.com/explorer/explorer.html#prop:4&6491dc86-4019-48b7-91dc-185f5b8dc929

https://templeuni.access.preservica.com/archive/sdb%3Acollection|6491dc86-4019-48b7-91dc-185f5b8dc929/

Original audiovisual materials, as well as preservation and duplicating masters, may not be played. Researchers must consult use copies, or if none exist must pay for a use copy. Certain digital files may also be inaccessible. Please contact the Special Collections Research Center for more information.

Collection processed and finding aid prepared in 2011 by B. Myerowitz. Finding aid revised according to contemporary archival standards in December 2014 by Katy Rawdon, Coordinator of Technical Services.

People
Organization
Subject
Place

Publisher
Temple University Libraries: Special Collections Research Center
Finding Aid Author
Machine-readable finding aid created by: Rajkumar Natarajan, Sky Global Services India (P) Ltd.
Finding Aid Date
April 2024
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

The Philadelphia Dance Company Records are the physical property of the Special Collections Research Center, Temple University Libraries. Intellectual property rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. Researchers are responsible for determining the identity of rights holders and obtaining their permission for publication and for other purposes where stated.

Collection Inventory

Scope and Contents

Series 1, Audiovisual materials include radio spots, commercials, and promotional shorts on VHS, U–matic, and cassette tapes.

Scope and Contents

An audio cassette and transcript of a KYW radio program features Joan Myers Brown, among other African Americans of influence.

3.5" floppy disk: National Endowment for the Arts, text included in report on use of grant funding, circa 1998.
Box 1
3.5" floppy disk: Philadanco invitation, 2000.
Box 1
Audio cassette: Aramark/Philadanco KYW radio spot, May 1995.
Box 1
Audio cassette: Interview with Joan Myers Brown, June 20, 1995.
Box 1
Audio cassette: KYW radio Black history month series (Highlights the achievements of African Americans of influence, including Joan Myers Brown. Transcript included.), 1991.
Box 1
U–matic tape, ¾ format: Commercial, undated. 2 copies.
Box 1
Physical Description

2 copies

U–matic tape, ¾ format: 30 second spot, undated.
Box 1
VHS tape: 30 second and 3 minute spot, undated.
Box 1
VHS tape: Commercial, 2001. 3 copies.
Box 1
Physical Description

3 copies

VHS tape: Five minute promo, undated.
Box 1
VHS tape: "Messages from the Heart" excerpts ("Myscience, " choreographed by Bebe Miller; and "Hands Singing Songs, " choreographed by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar), undated.
Box 1
VHS tape: Promo, 2000. 2 copies.
Box 1
Physical Description

2 copies

VHS tape: Public service announcement, undated. 3 copies.
Box 1
Physical Description

3 copies

Scope and Contents

Series 2, Business and finances contains scattered correspondence, annual reports, a development plan, and an operating proposal for the organization.

Scope and Contents

Brochures and announcements for the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts provide information about the company's dance training school.

Annual report, 1987.
Box 2 Folder 1
Annual report, 1988.
Box 2 Folder 2
Board of Directors meeting minutes and correspondence, 1983–1989.
Box 2 Folder 3
Brazilian Dance company partnership, 1986–1987.
Box 2 Folder 4
Correspondence (Includes Internal Revenue Service certificate of registration 1972), circa 1968–1997, undated.
Box 2 Folder 5
Five-year development plan, 1985–1989.
Box 2 Folder 6
General operating proposal, 1994–1995.
Box 2 Folder 7
Philadelphia School of Dance Arts (Brochures and performance announcement), 1981–1996, undated.
Box 2 Folder 8
Spring concert series, 1993, 1996.
Box 2 Folder 9

Scope and Contents

Series 3, Performances and events consists of invitations and programs for the company's annual gala celebrations and miscellaneous receptions; performance programs; and organizational information associated with several touring performances and local concerts.

Scope and Contents

Included are meeting materials and reports on the International Conference on Black Dance Companies.

25th anniversary tour, 1995.
Box 2 Folder 10
Annual anniversary spring gala, 1988–2004.
Box 2 Folder 11
International Conference on Black Dance Companies: Agenda and comprehensive report, 1987–1988.
Box 2 Folder 12
International Conference on Black Dance Companies: Meeting materials, Jan. 29–31, 1989.
Box 2 Folder 13
Jacobs Pillow, 1993–1994.
Box 2 Folder 14
Lincoln Center "Out of Doors", August 17–18, 1993.
Box 2 Folder 15
Lincoln University "African American Traditions: Perspectives from Pennsylvania", March 19, 1997.
Box 3 Folder 1
Miscellaneous, 1976–1994.
Box 3 Folder 2
Programs, 1972–1979.
Box 3 Folder 3
Programs, 1981–1985.
Box 3 Folder 4
Programs, 1986.
Box 3 Folder 5
Programs, 1987.
Box 3 Folder 6
Programs, 1988.
Box 3 Folder 7
Programs, 1989.
Box 3 Folder 8
Programs, 1990.
Box 3 Folder 9
Programs, 1991.
Box 4 Folder 1
Programs, 1992.
Box 4 Folder 2
Programs, 1993.
Box 4 Folder 3
Programs, 1994.
Box 4 Folder 4
Programs, 1995.
Box 4 Folder 5
Programs, 1996.
Box 4 Folder 6
Programs, 1997.
Box 5 Folder 1
Programs, 1998.
Box 5 Folder 2-3
Programs, 1999.
Box 5 Folder 4-5
Programs, 2000.
Box 5 Folder 6
Programs, 2001.
Box 6 Folder 1
Programs, 2002.
Box 6 Folder 2
Programs, 2003–2004.
Box 6 Folder 3
Programs, undated.
Box 6 Folder 4

Scope and Contents

Series 4, Photographs are arranged by individual performer, by performance piece, and by event.

Alumni rehearsal, circa 1990.
Box 6 Folder 5
Anniversary gala, April 1990.
Box 6 Folder 6
Anniversary gala, April 1992.
Box 6 Folder 7
Donor forum, 1990.
Box 6 Folder 8
Performances: Annenberg, 1990.
Box 6 Folder 9
Performances: Danco on Danco, 1990.
Box 6 Folder 10
Performances: Joyce Theater, 1990.
Box 6 Folder 11
Spring concert, 1988.
Box 6 Folder 12
Spring concert, 1989.
Box 6 Folder 13
Spring concert, 1990.
Box 6 Folder 14
Spring concert, 1991.
Box 6 Folder 15
Performers: Buffington, Gigi, undated.
Box 6 Folder 16
Performers: Chase, Deborah, undated.
Box 6 Folder 17
Performers: Lopez, Miquel, undated.
Box 6 Folder 18
Performers: McNeil, Corbett, undated.
Box 6 Folder 19
Performers: Sadler, Paul B., undated.
Box 7 Folder 1
Performers: St. Charles, David, undated.
Box 7 Folder 2
Performers: Scott, Antonio, undated.
Box 7 Folder 3
Performers: Toombs, Jamilla, undated.
Box 7 Folder 4
Performers: Watkins, Evelyn, undated.
Box 7 Folder 5
Performance pieces: "Autumn Wylde", 1980.
Box 7 Folder 6
Performance pieces: "Bound to Be Free", 1986, undated.
Box 7 Folder 7
Performance pieces: "Cantus", 1988, undated.
Box 7 Folder 8
Performance pieces: "Caravan Serai", undated.
Box 7 Folder 9
Performance pieces: "Center Man", undated.
Box 7 Folder 10
Performance pieces: "Conversations for Seven Souls", 1986, undated.
Box 7 Folder 11
Performance pieces: "Dreamtime", undated.
Box 7 Folder 12
Performance pieces: "Duke Street", 1984–1986, undated.
Box 7 Folder 13
Performance pieces: "Ebony Concerto", undated.
Box 7 Folder 14
Performance pieces: "Elegy", undated.
Box 7 Folder 15
Performance pieces: "The Element in Which It Takes Place", undated.
Box 7 Folder 16
Performance pieces: "Forces of Rhythm", undated.
Box 7 Folder 17
Performance pieces: "I Told Jesus", undated.
Box 7 Folder 18
Performance pieces: "Joy", undated.
Box 7 Folder 19
Performance pieces: "Ladder Dance", undated.
Box 7 Folder 20
Performance pieces: "LaValse", 1979, undated.
Box 8 Folder 1
Performance pieces: "Lelio", undated.
Box 8 Folder 2
Performance pieces: "Love 'n Pain", undated.
Box 8 Folder 3
Performance pieces: "Men Against the Wall", undated.
Box 8 Folder 4
Performance pieces: "Nuevo Tango", undated.
Box 8 Folder 5
Performance pieces: "Pacings", 1988, undated.
Box 8 Folder 6
Performance pieces: "Pale Lotus", undated.
Box 8 Folder 7
Performance pieces: "Pretty is Skin Deep, Ugly is to the Bone", undated.
Box 8 Folder 8
Performance pieces: "A Rag, a Bone, and a Hank of Hair", undated.
Box 8 Folder 9
Performance pieces: "Ritual", 1979.
Box 8 Folder 10
"Ritornello", 1986.
Box 8 Folder 11
"Ritornello", 1989.
Box 8 Folder 12
"Ritornello", undated.
Box 8 Folder 13
"Rosa", undated.
Box 8 Folder 14
"Shadow Sisters", undated.
Box 8 Folder 15
"Southern Landscape", undated.
Box 8 Folder 16
"Such Sweet Morning Song", undated.
Box 8 Folder 17
Unidentified performances, undated.
Box 8 Folder 18
Unidentified performances, undated.
Box 9 Folder 1
"White Dragon", 1989, undated.
Box 9 Folder 2
Miscellaneous Groups, undated.
Box 9 Folder 3
Miscellaneous Individuals, undated.
Box 9 Folder 4
Miscellaneous Negatives, undated.
Box 9 Folder 5-6
Miscellaneous Snapshots (7 envelopes), undated.
Box 9 Folder 7

Scope and Contents

Series 5, Publicity consists of audition announcements, marketing materials (brochures, flyers, and advertisements), and performance reviews in the form of newspaper clippings and magazine articles.

Scope and Contents

Scattered issues of the Philadanco newsletter are included.

Audition announcements, 1981–1995.
Box 9 Folder 8
Marketing materials, undated.
Box 10 Folder 1
Newsletters, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1995, 1996.
Box 10 Folder 2
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1972–1975.
Box 10 Folder 3
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1976–1977.
Box 10 Folder 4
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1978–1981.
Box 10 Folder 5
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1982–1983.
Box 10 Folder 6
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1984–1985.
Box 10 Folder 7
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1986.
Box 10 Folder 8
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1987–1988.
Box 10 Folder 9
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1989.
Box 10 Folder 10
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1990.
Box 10 Folder 11
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1991.
Box 10 Folder 12
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1992.
Box 11 Folder 1
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1993.
Box 11 Folder 2
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1994.
Box 11 Folder 3
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1995.
Box 11 Folder 4
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1996.
Box 11 Folder 5
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1997.
Box 11 Folder 6
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1997.
Box 12 Folder 1
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1998.
Box 12 Folder 2
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 1999.
Box 12 Folder 3
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 2000.
Box 12 Folder 4
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, 2001-2005.
Box 12 Folder 5
Performances, reviews, clippings, fliers, announcements, and articles, undated.
Box 12 Folder 6-7
Promotional items: "$3 to 1 for Philadanco" buttons, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: "#9 The Dance Place" t-shirt, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: 20th Anniversary t-shirt, 1990.
Box 13
Promotional items: "Company of the 21st Century" t-shirt, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: "Danco II 12th anniversary" t-shirt, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: "Danco Dollar Day" fund collection canister, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: Glass mug, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: "Golf for the Arts" hat, undated.
Box 13
Promotional items: Golf classic shirt, 1995.
Box 13
Promotional items: "I Bought-a-Brick for Philadanco" bumper sticker, undated.
Box 13
Poster: "24st Annual Spring Concert Series" (oversize), 1994.
Box 14
Poster: "25 Years of Excellence (oversize), 1995.
Box 14
Poster: "26st Annual Spring Concert Series" (oversize), 1996.
Box 14
Poster: "31st Annual Spring Concert Series", 2001.
Box 14
Physical Description

(oversize)

Poster: CIBA Award for Distinction in Advertising (oversize), 1980.
Box 14
Poster: "It's a Knockout" (oversize), 1987.
Box 14
Poster: Philadanco in concert, Johnston Hall (3 oversize posters), 1979, undated.
Box 15
Promotional magazines of Philadanco, undated.
Box 16 Folder 1-3

Scope and Contents

Series 6, Miscellaneous items associated with the dance company include awards and citations, promotional items, costume drafts, biographies of company members, and teaching materials developed by the company.

Scope and Contents

The series contains biographical information and publicity for Joan Myers Brown.

Awards and citations, 1976–1999.
Box 16 Folder 4
Biographies, fact sheets, and repertoire information, undated.
Box 16 Folder 5
Costume drafts, undated.
Box 16 Folder 6
International Association of Blacks in Dance newsletters and brochure, 1991–1999.
Box 16 Folder 7
Joan Myers–Brown (Awards, biographical information, and the text of speech given by Ms. Myers Brown upon receipt of honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, 2004), 1986–2004.
Box 16 Folder 8
Citations: City of Philadelphia (oversize), 2002.
Box 15
Citations: City Council of Philadelphia (oversize), 2002.
Box 15
Citations: Pennsylvania legislative Black Caucus (oversize), 2002.
Box 15
Citations: Senate of Pennsylvania (oversize), 2002.
Box 15
Citations: Pennsylvania House of representatives (oversize), 2002.
Box 15
Premier performance tickets, 1972.
Box 16 Folder 9
Script for "Roots/Reflections", undated.
Box 16 Folder 10
Teaching materials, 1996, 1997, undated.
Box 16 Folder 11
Series 7: Website versions in Archive-It, 2014.
Scope and Contents

Series 7 contains preserved versions of the Philadelphia Dance Company's website. To access these sites, see the Temple University Special Collections Philadelphia Dance Collection Archive-It web page: https://www.archive-it.org/collections/4279

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