The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) has partnered with
Philadanco!, The Philadelphia Dance Company to bring the 32nd Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance to Philadelphia, PA. During this conference, emerging, established, and legendary Black Dance companies from all over America will convene in the City of
Brotherly Love for Then Now Next a one of a kind festival where dance lovers can experience over forty diverse companies and styles from January 15-18, 2020.
Dance has always played a very important role in the lives of African Americans. Dances were performed to celebrate a birth, harvest or death. Throughout history, you see where dance was use to ward off evil spirits or as an example of praise. This tradition continues today and these performances will mimic pieces of a loved heritage.
Then Now Next is a four-day conference and festival celebrates the
brilliance of Black Dance companies while enhancing audiences’ understanding of Black Dance history and technique. Audiences will have the chance to see world renowned, legendary companies such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, PHILADANCO! and Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company. Along with performances from longstanding and established
companies Collage Dance Collective, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Eleone Dance Theatre, Elisa Monte Dance and more. The festival will also feature trendsetting companies that push the limits of every dance genre,
along with an opening night performance that will honor dance companies with Philadelphia roots.
For more information on IABD, THEN NOW NEXT and a full list of performers, please visit: https://www.iabdassociation.org/mpage/performances
Tickets range from $45 to $60 and can be purchased online via links below and at www.kimmelcenter.org. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 215-893-1999. The Merriam Theater is located at 250 S Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19102.
