Performing Arts

DANCE PROGRAMS
Over seventy dance programs in facilities throughout the city.
Click Here for a Listing of all Recreation Department Dance Programs.

54th ANNUAL DANCE FESTIVAL
Edison High School
Friday, March 14th, 2008, 7:00 PM.

This program provides cultural enrichment opportunities to youth ages 4 to 18, young & middle adults and senior citizens. The Department of Recreation has over 70 dance programs serving more than 2500 participants throughout the year. Dance groups with members who are physically and / or mentally disabled are encouraged to participate. Most of our facilities are accessible by wheel chair.

The Performing Arts Office coordinates this extravaganza by using the Dance Committee to publicize, recruit 25 Recreation dance acts to perform, sell ads for program booklet, and supervise this event. The Dance Committee consists of Recreation Leaders from each the ten recreation districts in Philadelphia.

In the spring of 1954 Recreation's Performing Arts created its First Annual Citywide Dance Festival at McCall Elementary School Auditorium. There were 123 participants. Throughout the past four decades this gala has expanded to over 350 participants.

13th Annual Holiday Dance Celebration
The Dance Celebration is held December of each year to give participants an opportunity to celebrate their holiday spirit through creative expression. Recreation Dance groups prepare dance routines with holiday themes. Friday, December 14, 2007, Thomas Holme School, Academy Road and Willits Road, 19136

Friday, April 18, 2008, 7:00 PM at Waterview Recreation Center, Rittenhouse and McMahon Streets. Audience is comprised of friends, family and participants from the Citywide Dance Festival.

19th Annual Cultural Dance Exchange
The 10th Annual Cultural Dance Exchange is a demonstration of different kinds of ethnic dances from various ethnic groups performing their dance routines. A choreographer from each group will lead an ethnic dance workshop. This event will be held  November 16, 2007, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Waterview Recreation Center.