Philadelphia Dance Talk Radio: Recent Episodes
brought to you by PhiladelphiaDance.org
Brought to you by PhiladelphiaDANCE.org and The Dance Journal, Dance Talk Radio features podcasts of interviews with Philadelphia dancers and choreographers who are actively creating work in the region.
HOSTED BY Charles Tyson, Jr.
Charles sat down with the amazing and talented Gary Jeter II. They discussed his storied dance career, his choreographic creative process, being in shape enough to keep up with oneself, and so much more!
For More About Gary:
Instagram:@garydjeter
Facebook:@Gary Jeter
Charles sat down with the dynamic duo/power couple that is Kyle & Dinita Clark. Theydiscussed their shared love of house music and house dance culture, Kyle & Dinita’s unique pedagogy, known as the Clark Method, continuing to uplift the culture from their new studio home, and so much more!
–
For More Info About Kyle & Dinita:
Website: justsoledance.com
IG: @justsolesnipesstudio
@funkysolefundamentals
@justsolesdt
@justsole
@queen_dinita
Charles sat down with Kim Bears-Bailey, the Artistic Director of Philadanco! They talked about carrying on the legacy andvision of ‘Danco, how work ethics have changed due to social media, the importance of “staying ready,” and so much more!
FOR MORE INFO:
WEBSITE
TIKTOK
In the first Dance Talk of 2024, Charles sat down with the dynamic and vivacious movement artist and educator MeganMazarick. They talked about the evolution of her creative process, shifting conversations surrounding higher dance education, resistance to the age of social media, and more!
For More Info about Megan and her upcomingprojects:
Visit her WEBSITE
Follow her on:
–
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SoloDuo Festival atDixon Place on February 9 (7pm show)
Temple Dance Alumni Showcase February 23and 24 (7:30pm)
Upcoming DanceVisions Residency atPerformance Garage (2024-2025)
Find her at Georgian Court University
Or at UMA (Urban Movement Arts)
Charles sat down with the explosive performerand educator Mark Wong. They talk about the worldwide respect for hip-hop culture, education vs. entertainment, the far-reaching reputation of “The Gathering” and so much more!
To learn more: Follow Mark on Instagram: @31StrangeDays
Hip-Hop Fundamentals -
Website: HipHopfundamentals@gmail.com
Instagram: @HipHopFundamentals
Charles sat down for a “kiki” with choreographer, educator, creative dynamo, and good friend Michael T. Roberts.
They talk about what drives Michael’s sense ofaesthetic, reminisce about the artistic landscape of Philadelphia in the late 90’s, where the scene needs to head next…and more!
Follow Michael on Social:
TikTok: @michael.t.roberts
Instagram: @michael.t.roberts
Facebook: MichaelT. Roberts
YouTube: Michael T. Roberts
Charles sat down with his good friend, prolific tapper and choreographer Corinne Karon. They discuss how the art form of tap still struggles to gain its due respect in the dance world, tap rehearsals in gay bars, tap dancing around the world, and so much more!
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT CORINNE:
Visit her WEBSITE
Charles sat down with dancer, choreographer,and writer Kalila Kingsford Smith.
They talked about tapping into your mostprimal self for movement inspiration, the importance of dance writing,eliminating the barrier between audience and performer…and more!
CLICK HERE For Tickets to Kalila’s Performance“Psychic Predator” In The 2023 Cannonball Festival
For More About Kalila:
WEBSITE
Charles had a delightful and engaging conversation with educator, choreographer and author Shavone Munir. They talked about the vital importance of arts education for young people, doing the work vs. being seen doing it, artists finding their tribe, and so much more!
For More Info about Shavonne:
Visit Her Website
Shavonne’s Instagram
Shavonne’s Children’s Book
Reckless Kickz
Charles got to sit down and catch up with his friend Dr. Leslie Elkins.
They discussed the importance of thinking about dance, the evolution of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, and her upcoming work, “Dying Well” with her group, Foursome.
“Dying Well” runs from September 15-17, 2023
TICKETS
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT LESLIE AND FOURSOME
Leslie’s Facebook
Foursome’s Facebook
Charles was thrilled to finally get to sit down with the creative force that is Megan Bridge!
They talked about the dancing body as an observer as opposed to the subject being observed, the awareness that comes from being an international artist, the fine line one walks when creating intellectual work while remaining inviting to the audience…and an exciting EXCLUSIVE announcement!
Bach Cello Suites Project
Saturday July 29, 1:30 & 3:30 pm
Philadelphia Museum of Art, great stair hall
Free with museum entry
more info: https://philamuseum.org/calendar/event/the-bach-cello-suites-project
For More Infor About Megan Bridge and Fidget:
Fidget Website
Vimeo
YouTube
Charles Was delighted to sit and catch up with dynamic performer/choreographer and good friend Jessica Warchal-King.
They discussed her company, JCWK Dance Lab, STEAM as creative inspiration, the vital importance of making time for dance and so much more!
For More Info about Jessica and her work:
JCWK Dance Lab Website
YouTube
GRADE playlist
Charles sat down with Kelli Moshen, artistic director and choreographer of Project Moshen.
They discuss Kelli’s influences, the “Philly Dance Vibe,” just how long she and Charles have known each other, and so much more!
For More Info on Project Moshen:
Website: www.projectmoshen.com
IG: @projectmoshen
FB - Project Moshen Dance Company (https://www.facebook.com/ProjectMoshen/)
TikTok - @ProjectMoshen
YouTube: www.youtube.com/projectmoshen
Charles was thrilled to sit and chat withKun-Yang Lin!
They discussed the language of dance emerging from the inadequacies of verbalcommunication, finding oneself in the everchanging present, the dualities andpluralities that make up identity and so much more!
For more about Kun-Yang:
Website
Charles sat down with dancer and choreographerWeiwei Ma. They discuss drawing creative inspiration from Chinese culture andtraditions, her journey from traditional dance in China to contemporary dancein Philadelphia, and her newest work “24 Solar Terms.”
Charles finally got to sit down with friend, performer, and dance advocate Danielle Currica.
They discussed the recent evolution of funding and dance advocacy in Philadelphia, the history of burlesque, the attraction toward cerebral, process-driven creators and so much more!
FOR MORE ABOUT DANIELLE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiesucre/
Philadelphia Burlesque Academy: philadelphiaburlesqueacademy.com
Charles sat down with Elba Hevia y Vaca, Artistic Director of Pasion y Arte Flamenco.
They discussed the growing flamenco community, how deepening one’s ancestral roots can affect the dance, the challenges of teaching flamenco via Zoom, and so much more!
FOR MORE INFO on Elba and her work:
Website: https://pasionyarteflamenco.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pasionyarte/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pya_flamenco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasionyarte/
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user5673545
Charles sat down with Sun-Mi Cho, one of the hardest-working women in Philly Dance.
They discuss the lasting effects of being a transracial adoptee, the power of naming, changing the culture of ballet…and SO much more!
For More Info on Sun-Mi:
IG - Sun-Mi: @lalasunmi
BalletSunMi: @balletsunmi
Website: balletsunmi.com
Charles sat down with the fabulous and talented Lauren Putty-White.
They discuss Putty Dance Project’s upcoming performance, social media’s effect on dancers’ values, where jazz meets movement, and so much more!
For TICKETS to Putty Dance Project’s “Glimpse” (February 24-25, 2023) - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/philadelphiadanceprojects/834891
For More INFO about Lauren and Putty Dance Project:
Website: https://puttydanceproject.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puttydanceproject/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/puttywhitedance
@copyright 2023 PhiladelphiaDANCE.org | Dance Talk Radio™ | The Dance Journal™ - all rights reserved
Charles got to have a reunion with his good friend Robert F. Burden, Jr.
They talked about the vital importance of archiving our dance history, teaching the next generations, not limiting one’s own creativity…and more!
To learn more about Robert’s work: houseofburden.wordpress.com
Charles sat down with the amazing Tommie-Waheed Evans.
They discussed his creative process, his love of music, and the benefit of being in the right place at the right time.
For more about Tommie-Waheed:
Visit his website: https://www.tommie-waheed.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/waheedworks/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/waheedworks/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WaheedWorks
It’s the first new episode of 2023 and we decided to try something a little different.
Charles sat down for another chat with the amazing Leah Stein…this time as the interviewee!
They talk about Charles’ twisted dance journey, his deep connection with the arts community, coming Full Circle with his creativity, and more!
For More About Charles: linktr.ee/fullcirclethepod
Charles sat down for a warm and lovely chat with the enchanting Leah Stein.
They discuss the challenges of creating site-specific work, navigating the unique energies that occupy each space, taking an active part in our own evolution, and MORE!
FOR MORE INFO about Leah Stein and her work:
Website: https://www.leahsteindanceco.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/leahsteindanceco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LSDanceCompany
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahsteindance
Charles sat down for a fascinating conversation with Broadway and film star Gary Flannery.
They talk about Gary’s Philadelphia roots, especially his ties to the University of the Arts, and his illustrious stage and film career. They delve in to how it felt to be in a tug-of-war between Shirley MacLaine and Bob Fosse, and SO much more!!!
Charles sat down with the delightful Meredith Rainey to discuss what to do with the unkind voices in our head, staying on the path toward our goals, making beauty, being at peace with the present, and not longing for the past…and SO MUCH more!
Learn more about Meredith and his work: https://www.meredithrainey.com/
Charles sat down with the exquisite creative talent that is Zane Booker.
They discuss Zane’s storied artistic history, dance as a vehicle for change and the importance of authenticity in one’s art and creative expression.
Charles sat down with dancer, choreographer, and educator extraordinaire, Kareem Goodwin. They talked about Kareem’s longtime love of teaching, the doors that humility can open, standing on the shoulders of legends, and more!!!
Kareem’s Instagram: @thekareembgoodwin
Where Kareem Is Teaching:
Grace Dance Theater of Philadelphia: @gracedancetheater
Ms. Carol’s Center for Dance: @mscarolscenterfordance
The Pointe! Dance Studio: @thepointedancestudio_
Dance Institute of Philadelphia: @danceinstituteofphila
Leaders & Legends Performing Arts Academy: @leaders_legendspaa
Dissonance Dance Theatre: @dissonancedance
Charles got to sit down with the magical duo of Martín Santangelo and Soledad Barrio of Noche Flamenca.
They discuss their storybook relationship, the art of flamenco as catharsis, creating through the pandemic, their upcoming 30th Season performance…and MORE!
FOR TICKETS to Noche Flamenca’s ni bien ni mal, todo lo contrario (neither good nor bad, just the opposite)
October 6-30, 2022
Plays & Players Theatre
https://ci.ovationtix.com/114/production/1137497?performanceId=11155832
FOR MORE INFO on Noche Flamenca
https://www.soledadbarrioandnocheflamenca.com/
Charles had a rich and delightful conversation with yaTande Whitney V. Hunter and Jude Sandy, aka Denizen Arts. They discuss their new work “Walk The (pink) Elephant)” premiering in the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the lasting effects the HIV/AIDS crisis has on the artistic community, navigation being a romantic and professional couple working together and SO much more!
“Walk The (pink) Elephant: 9/15-9/17 - TICKETS/INFO
For More Info on Denizen Arts:
https://whitneyhunter.com/denizen
https://www.facebook.com/DenizenArts
IG: @denizenartspro
Charles got to sit down and chat with the delightful Sophiann Mahalia.
They talk about deconstructing the image of the strong black woman, finding comfort in the Umfundalai technique, destigmatizing mental healthcare within the black community, Reclamation Dance Project, and their upcoming Fringe performance: “Outside Your Expectations” and more!
Check out Reclamation Dance Project’s new work “Outside Your Expectations” during the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival:
For More Info About Sophiann Mahalia: https://www.sophiannmahalia.com/
Charles got to sit down with Philly dance rock star Brian Sanders!
They discussed Brian’s unique creative process, making JUNK, the jarring reality of “reality television,” and so much more!
Check Out the new work “Luster” by Brian Sanders’ JUNK in the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival: https://philadelphiadance.org/calendar/event/fringearts-brian-sanders-junk-luster/all/
For More Info About Brian Sanders’ JUNK: https://www.briansandersjunk.com/
Charles sits down with his friend and mentor Gwendolyn Bye.
They discuss the importance of knowing dance history, Gwen’s time performing for dance pioneer Mary Anthony, her mission of reconstructing historical modern dance works…and more!
More about Gwendolyn Bye: https://www.gbyedance.org/
Check out Dancefusion’s Upcoming Fringe Festival Performance:
September 9, 2022 - https://philadelphiadance.org/calendar/event/fringearts-dancefusion-sokolow-theatre-dance-ensemble-envisions/2022-09-09/
September 10, 2022 - https://philadelphiadance.org/calendar/event/fringearts-dancefusion-sokolow-theatre-dance-ensemble-envisions/2022-09-10/
In this episode, Charles sits down with the dynamic duo of dance, Roni Koresh, artistic director of Koresh Dance Company, AND Melissa Rector, the Assistant Artistic Director, company soloist, and creative muse of Koresh Dance Company.
They discuss their journeys to Philadelphia, the company's and the school's evolution, and all the branches of the Koresh Dance tree.
For More Info: https://www.koreshdance.org/
Charles and Christine discuss bringing ballet into the future, the importance of art and education, favorite touring moments, and BalletX’s upcoming Summer Series.
For More About Christine & BalletX -
Website: https://www.balletx.org/
Twitter: BalletX Philadelphia
Facebook: BalletX
Instagram: @balletx.official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/balletxvideo
Summer Series 2022 - July 13-17
In this episode, we dive deep into Jaye’s history as a pioneering student of CAPA and UArts, her journey with LEJA Dance Theater, her reinvention as an author and international award-winning filmmaker…and more!
To Learn More Visit: jadadance.com
In this episode, Charles and Ms. Brown (aka JB) discuss, Black dance excellence, meeting the Obamas, Philadanco’s history and growth…and more! https://philadanco.org/
In this episode, we chat with Theresa Shockley, Executive Director of the Community Education Center (CEC.)
We talk about her own dance history, including being a founding member of Urban Bush Woman, her arts journey in Philadelphia, the state of arts funding in Philadelphia, and more.
Community Education Center (CEC)
Website: https://www.cecarts.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CEC-Community-Education-Center-217339404976000/
Twitter: twitter.com/CECArts1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecarts/
Charles sat down for an enjoyable chat with Diane Sharp, director of SHARP Dance Company.
They discuss the company’s history, the family dynamic among the dancers, favorite tour moments, and more!
http://www.sharpdance.org/
https://www.facebook.com/sharpdance
https://twitter.com/SHARPDancePhila
https://www.instagram.com/sharpdancephilly/
Charles sat down with choreographer and b-boy extraordinaire Raphael Xavier. They discuss the joy of collaboration, meeting Bill T. Jones where hip hop has come from, where it is now, its future, and more!
https://www.raphaelxavier.org
https://www.pentacle.org/blog/artist/raphael-xavier/
IG Viazeen83
IG Thexavofficial
IG Swervethemovie
Charles had the austere pleasure of sitting down with Madhusmita Bora, director of Sattriya Dance Company. They discuss the origin of the company, the history, tradition, and correct pronunciation of Sattriya, and so much more!
www.sattriyadancecompany.com
Email: sattriyadance@gmail.com
Fb: sattriya dance company
IG: @sattriya.dance.company
The world premiere of a classical South Indian music and dance performance piece based on Philadelphia’s historic themes of liberty and freedom. Each a powerhouse in their own right, bharata natyam dancer Priyadarsini Govind and Carnatic musician T. M. Krishna perform a new work interlacing elements of traditional repertoire with improvised segments. This performance is co-presented with Sruti, the India Music & Dance Society and has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
In this podcast, John Schafer of WNYC speaks to Priyadarsini Govind and TM Krishna, who are world famous practitioners of the south Indian classical art forms of Bharatnatyam (dance) and Carnatic music respectively. They discuss their upcoming Saayujya event in Philadelphia, featuring a world premiere of a new piece centered around the themes of freedom and equality.
Performance
Saturday, April 30, 2016 @ 7 PM
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
It is my sincere hope that sharing part of my testimony can encourage youths of all ages through this personal “how to follow your dream” road map told in storybook form. Pursuing a dance career on your own is the story painted in this historical document. This testimony of my childhood dream to become a dance artist is very personal, and I believe you can get something out of it. Coming from J. P. Turner Middle School, dancing in the big musical Dreamland Cafe and a friend teaching me ballet in her basement, there was catching up to do as I auditioned and made a place in the brand-new performing arts magnet high school to begin serious training. It was there I met my dancing soul mate and found some local notoriety producing and codirecting a dance company since turning eighteen. This relationship, which led to creating a Philadelphia area annual Christmas holiday tradition, was seventeen years in the making.
Book is available for purchase through AuthorHouse
In July, Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective (IPDC) will be traveling to Haiti with a team of dancers, musicians, a medical doctor and an elementary school teacher will work with children devastated by the recent earthquake. It is the mission of IPDC to share the joy of creation and artistic expression with children who have experienced a natural and/or a socio-economic disaster.
SHARP Dance Co. translates raw human emotion utilizing contemporary movement to connect the audience through individual interpretation. SHARP is a four year old modern company and its theory of “meaning behind movement” is shown prominently throughout their work.
BalletX launches its 2010/11 Season which opens with a world premiere by choreographer Tobin Del Cuore and two revivals: Still@Life (2008) by Netherlands-based choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Frequencies (2001) by award winning Co-Artistic Director Matthew Neenan. Fall Series 2010 opens November 17-21 (Wednesday-Sunday), at The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.
BalletX launches its 2010/11 Season which opens with a world premiere by choreographer Tobin Del Cuore and two revivals: Still@Life (2008) by Netherlands-based choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Frequencies (2001) by award winning Co-Artistic Director Matthew Neenan. Fall Series 2010 opens November 17-21 (Wednesday-Sunday), at The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia.
On May 13th & 14th, 2011, Underground DanceWorks and Monarch Dance Company team up to present an evening of world premieres and repertory favorites. Dance Talk Radio presents a live interview with Charles Tyson, Jr., Artistic Director of Underground DanceWorks as he gets ready to premiere “11”.
Join Omar Harrison of Kule Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble which preserves, presents and builds upon the dance and music of Africa and the African Diaspora.
He will be discussing the upcoming performance of Sacred Journeys, an uplifting celebration of faith and the human spirit. With new and revised selections from Kùlú Mèlé’s extensive repertoire of Afro-Cuban and West African dance, Sacred Journeys will inspire you to see the sacred in everyday life.
2012 Interview with Jaamil Olawale Kosoko. Jaamil discusses his recent collaboration with Kate Watson-Wallace, his recent trip to Japan, completing ICPP, and his new position as a producer at New York Live Arts.
2012 Chat with Kelly Adorno of SomaticMovers about her upcoming Philly Fringe performance, Counter Rotation.
Curve through our world. Grab our views. Share our axis. Watch the SomaticMovers reconnect with the body while exploring thoughts, memories, and even some splashing water! Enter an atmosphere unlike any other and allow yourself to inhale and get lost.
Performance to be held on Saturday, Sept 15, 2012 at Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia
2013 Interview with Amy Harding, Artistic Director and Jonathan Bowles, Technical Director of Alchemy Dance as they prepare for Alchemy’s 2013 Home Season Performance.
2013 Live Interview with Alie Vidich about her upcoming project – INVISIBLE RIVER. Alie & the Brigade (formerly known as Movement Brigade) presents INVISIBLE RIVER, a dance and music performance celebrating the Schuylkill River, the ephemeral nature of summer, and the possibility that live performance can bring a city together in a way that no other event can. An ensemble of 10 dancing singers perform the haunting choral compositions of Elliott Harvey of a stick and a stone, while leading audience members through interactive choreography on the Schuylkill River Trail, choreographed by Alie Vidich.
Interview and conversation with Jaamil Olawale Kosoko, choreographer, writer, dancer, and curator as he prepares for the upcoming The Gemini Show: An Evening of Daring Dirty Duets, on Thursday, June 9 and Friday June 10th, at thefidget space in Fishtown.
Jaamil Olawale Kosoko, a 2011 Fellow at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and an inaugural member of the Institute for Curatorial Practice in Performance at Wesleyan University, is a poet, choreographer, performance artist, curator, experimental vocalist, and comedian. He is the Executive Producing Director at The Philadiction Movement, a Philly based performance company. His work has received support from The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage through Dance Advance, Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative, The Joyce Theater Foundation, and The Philadelphia Cultural Fund among other agencies. His work in dance theater has been shown at Joyce SoHo, Dixon Place, Dance Theater Workshop, Bennington College, Danspace at St. Mark’s Church, the CEC Meeting House Theater, Painted Bride Arts Center, among others. He has performed with Kate Watson-Wallace/anonymous bodies, Pig Iron Theatre Company, Keely Garfield Dance, Miguel Gutierrez and The Powerful People, Headlong Dance Theater, Leah Stein Dance Company. He’s been published in The American Poetry Review, The Dunes Review, The Interlochen Review, The Broad Street Review, Silo Literary and Visual Arts Magazine, and Poems Against War. Mostly recently Kosoko published his newest poetry collection, Notes on an Urban Kill-Floor.
For its 7 year, Jaye Allison’s Philly TAP Challenge (PTC), honors Philadelphia’s rich history of cyclonic feet and rarely seen rhythmic talent, in a three day festival of tap dance, running Thursday, June 23 through Saturday June 25, 2011. Philly TAP Challenge is devoted to recognizing the treasures that Philadelphia holds for Tap, epitomized by such local legends as The Nicholas Brothers, The Condos Brothers, Baby Edwards, Honi Coles and LaVaughn Robinson.
The festival includes over 30 classes and workshops in tap and alternative rhythms by performing artists as well as a world renowned teaching staff. For those who prefer to simply watch, there are three nightly performances, including a Tap Jam, Amateur Showcase and the Philly TAP Concert. And to keep the rich history of tap alive in Philadelphia, there is a series of free lectures and presentations to the public.
Headlong Dance Theater is seeking four Philadelphia households to participate in This Town Is A Mystery, a groundbreaking new performance project that will premiere during the 2012 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival. This unprecedented project will journey into four households, transforming each home into a theater and the household members into performers.