WHEREAS, In 1970 Joan Myers Brown founded the exceptional Philadelphia Dance Company located at 9 North Preston St, also known as PHILADANCO Way, with the magnificent mission of providing free or low cost professional dance training and performing opportunities to young people in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Since then PHILADANCO has shared its passion with and taught dance to thousands of children throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, The caliber of PHILADANCO's training in ballet, jazz, modern, and many diverse dance forms, does more than just instruct our City's youth in perfect pirouettes and elegant arabesque, but also boosts their self-esteem, teaches the value of health and fitness, and imparts the art of discipline the Joan Myers Brown way; and
WHEREAS, In 1988 PHILADANCO was honored to receive a grant from the Pew Charitable Trust, which they used to further their unending dedication to the arts and established The International Association of Blacks in Dance; and
WHEREAS, PHILADANCO has been able to act as a cultural ambassador of Philadelphia to the world, and January 13 - 17, 2010 PHILADANCO hosted the 22nd annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference, for dance companies and professionals from around the world right here in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, PHILADANCO is widely regarded as one of the top three African American dance companies in the nation, joining the ranks of Alvin Ailey and the Dance Theater of Harlem; and
WHEREAS, PHILADANCO performs before people of all ages, creed, ethnicity, and cultural traditions who routinely pack sold-out audiences both nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is fortunate to be the home of such a jewel, drawing attention from the international arts community and helping to produce the next leaders of our City; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we recognize, honor, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Philadelphia Dance Company.
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