"Montage Ó Trois': Jeanne Ruddy's farewell

Jeanne Ruddy closes a chapter

In a dozen years as a wonderful part of Philadelphia's dance community, Jeanne Ruddy and her company found drama, tragedy and comedy not in theater or mythology but in everyday life. Her farewell was a beautiful blend of dance and artwork.

Janet Anderson

May 12, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

Pennsylvania Ballet's "Peter Pan' (1st review)

When ballet dancers fly: Neverland on Broad Street

Thanks to the spirited Pennsylvania Ballet premiere of this 2002 work by Trey McIntyre, Philadelphians now have the makings of a new children's classic that can become a recurring treat in the repertory.

Jonathan M. Stein

May 08, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

Bloom's "CITY' and Thirdbird's "Blind Date Trios'

Off with your clothes, Big Brother is back

In CITY, the Bloom! Dance Collective of Budapest riveted an Arts Bank audience with an evocation of authoritarian menace and control in a country where Big Brother is no longer a joke.

Jonathan M. Stein

May 08, 2012 · Articles · 6 minute read

Confessions of an ex-go-go dancer

Sex object, or just another housewife? Confessions of an ex-go-go dancer

As the sweat pours down my fishnet stockings, these guys think they're gonna take me home and score, while I'm wondering if I can throw in a load of laundry before I heat up the leftover lasagna.

Merilyn Jackson

May 05, 2012 · Articles · 8 minute read

"DanceBrazil' at Annenberg

When ‘Wow!' is all there is

DanceBrazil's high-octane, multicultural fusion of dance from three continents offered a feast for the eye and ear while somehow neglecting to feed the soul.

Jonathan M. Stein

Mar 24, 2012 · Articles · 2 minute read

Pennsylvania Ballet's "Messiah' (2nd review)

What would Handel have said?

If you're a Baroque music purist who's trying to be open-minded, the Pennsylvania Ballet's Messiah will evoke cheers in its best parts and raised eyebrows in others.

Tom Purdom

Mar 20, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

Arizona: The new global ballet crossroads

One more reason to move to Arizona

To retired Americans with creaky joints, Arizona beckons with its warm temperatures and dry air. To up-and-coming dancers from places like Poland, Albania and Taiwan, increasingly, Arizona has become a magnet for cutting-edge ballet. Who knew?

Merilyn Jackson

Mar 10, 2012 · Articles · 5 minute read

Pennsylvania Ballet's "Messiah' (1st review)

Easter special

Robert Weiss's Messiah may be a Bible-based ballet, but it offers the physical strength and highly charged interactions of real theater.

Janet Anderson

Mar 10, 2012 · Articles · 2 minute read

Jasperse's "Fort Blossom revisited' at Bryn Mawr

Turning the tables on the ‘male gaze'

In his newest work, John Jasperse challenges conventional taboos with the help of four dancers— two graceful nude males and two fully clothed female dancers sporting backpacks. Ultimately, Fort Blossom revisited re-examines the arbitrary nature of the clothed body— what's hidden from us.

Jonathan M. Stein

Feb 28, 2012 · Articles · 4 minute read

2011 highlights: Critic's choice

Theater or dance— who cares?

Even a dance critic can't help stumbling into the theater now and then— especially since so many plays these days seem to be about dance. Here are a few of my serendipitous highlights of the past year.

Merilyn Jackson

Jan 08, 2012 · Articles · 3 minute read