Dance As A Universal Language
Mar 27th, 2009 | By | Category: Archived ArticlesBy Andrea K. Hammer, For The Bulletin
When PHILADANCO! performs internationally, audiences spring to their feet — expressing their deep appreciation of the arts. They bang on the floor enthusiastically during 20-minute ovations and reciprocally feed the dancers’ creative passion. With appearances in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Belgium and Hungary, company members vividly recall “rock-star” treatment during previous international tours.
“The country I like most is Turkey,” says Joan Myers Brown, founder and executive artistic director. “I like the atmosphere and response; I like the people. I like the way they treat artists. You’re someone special. They appreciate your talent and that you came to them to share. They’re so honest in the way they treat you.”
With positive audience response — in America and all over the world — as one of the most satisfying aspects of her work, Ms. Brown remembers telling the dancers to stop bowing after 10 curtain calls in Germany. She also describes the enthusiastic reception the company received in Korea.
