Whether it’s a classical ballet, a community experience, or even a chorus of Irish-inspired steppers, there are plenty of dance shows in Philly to check out this season.
Kun Yang-Lin Dancers
The Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers (KYL/D) have already made a name for themselves as one of the country’s only Asian-American contemporary dance companies, but it’s the bold choreography and showmanship that keeps people coming back to their annual performances.
The Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers under Artistic Director Kun-Yang Lin’s zen-inspired guidance provide a showcase of new dances every year. Lin, a native of Taiwan, started the dance company here in Philly with the intent to create programs that focused on centering our chi, or “life force” in Mandarin. Through inspiration from Eastern philosophies along with contemporary dance, this critically acclaimed group has mixed the past with the present in a simply beautiful way for years.
In 2025, KYL/D will present ‘LUNA (月)/Dance, Myth, and Nature’ at the Mandell Theater on March 28 (7:30 p.m.) and 29 (2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) Tickets ($25) are available online.
3220 Chestnut St., kyld.org
Painted Bride
Philadelphians can become part of the local dance world with Painted Bride. The local institution has organized a series of events called “Memory Dance Floor, Steps & Stories” as part of a larger project called “Voices of 52nd Street.”
As a release notes, each class includes the “bop” (which has been around since the jazz swing era), plus contemporary dance instruction in freestyle hip-hop and African influences. All classes also include the sharing of stories on how the act of dance created community and joy throughout the 52nd Street corridor and the West Philadelphia Black community at large. The series will culminate in a dance showcase with an open dance floor and special guest performers on April 5 at the CEC/Community Education Center (3500 Lancaster Ave.)
The next class for the series will take place on March 22 at the West Philadelphia YMCA (5120 Chestnut St.) More information can be found online.
The Philadelphia Ballet
There’s even more reason to see some dance shows in Philly this spring with the Philadelphia Ballet’s triple repertory program at the Academy of Music this weekend (March 20-23.) As the Ballet says, this diverse program is set to inspire and captivate audiences and will feature choreography by Angel Corella, Russell Ducker and a world premiere by internationally acclaimed choreographer Stanton Welch AM.
Artistic Director Angel Corella’s showcase, ‘Boléro’, features 49 dancers in a dynamic interpretation that highlights rhythmic intensity. ‘Dance Card’ on the other hand comes from Russel Ducker, a Philadelphia Ballet company member and choreographer. This energetic show is performed to music by Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy-winner Jennifer Higdon, and is meant to blend athleticism, elegance and humor.
And with ‘Water Dances’, Stanton Welch AM debuts his latest creation with the Philadelphia Ballet. As a release describes, this show is inspired by Michael Nyman’s score for Peter Greenaway’s water-themed film ‘Making a Splash.’ Welch has created an abstract ballet for four women and eight men. The first movement is choreographed for the women, the second for the men and the third is a series of pas de deux for four couples.
Performances will take place on March 20 (7:30 p.m.), March 21 (7:30 p.m.), March 22 (2 and 7:30 p.m.) and March 23 (2 p.m.) Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased online.
240 S Broad St., philadelphiaballet.org
Dance Up Close
Philadelphia Dance Projects is continuing its Dance Up Close ’25 series with a new work by Chloe Marie on Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1. As a release states, the collaborative performance features a Philly all-star crew including Alex Brazinski, Tammy Carrasco, Amalia Colón-Nava, Alexis Curiel, Marisa Illingsworth, Chelsea Murphy, Dylan Smythe, Kayliani Sood, and Arien Wilkerson. Lee Clarke composed and will perform the sound score as well.
All performances will take place at the Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre at 7 p.m. Tickets ($15) are available online.
20 North American St., tickettailor.com/events/philadelphiadanceprojects
The Lady Hoofers
The Lady Hoofers offer a great way to see some dance shows in Philly with their annual Spring Concert Series. Taking place Saturday, May 10 (2 and 7 p.m.) at The Harold Prince Theater in the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, the creative experience will feature original tap choreography by several accomplished choreographers, including a world premiere by Star Dixon.
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble is composed of 25 professional and pre-professional tap dancers, including the group’s First Company and Apprentice dancers, a release notes. For the first time, members of the company’s Youth Ensemble will also present a piece in the Spring Concert. Tickets ($25-35) are available online.
3680 Walnut St., ladyhoofers.org
Riverdance 30: The New Generation
For the first time in five years, the energetic ‘Riverdance’ will return to Philadelphia this spring. The experience will hit the stage at the Miller Theater for four performances from April 18 to April 20 (show times vary.)
“It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of ‘Riverdance‘ and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots,” said John McColgan, director of the show. “On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made ‘Riverdance’ a worldwide celebration of music and dance.”
Tickets (various prices) are available online.
250 S Broad St., ensembleartsphilly.org
