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Joan Myers Brown, a trailblazer for African American dancers, has a mountain of achievements. On top will now rest the Philadelphia Award.

By Stephan Salisbury

Inquirer Culture Writer
Joan Myers Brown, whose determination to open up the world of dance to the creative energies of African Americans led her to found a groundbreaking dance school and performing ensemble here, has been named the 89th winner of the Philadelphia Award.

The award, announced Friday night at a gala performance celebrating the 40th anniversary of Brown's renowned dance company, Philadanco, at the Kimmel Center, will be presented at an award ceremony there May 10.

In addition to founding Philadanco in 1970, Brown founded the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts in 1960.

That makes 2010 a major anniversary year for her.

"It's a great year," Brown said Friday afternoon. "It's the 40th anniversary of my company and the 50th anniversary of my school. I remember teaching my little neighborhood kids on my front porch when I was growing up. From there to here is quite a story. It's a true Philadelphia story."

Donald B. Parks, professor of community medicine at Temple University School of Medicine and chairman of the Philadelphia Award trustees, lauded Brown's efforts to break down racial barriers blocking African Americans from participation in the full range of modern and classical dance.

"It is terrific to see the contributions she has made to our city celebrated," Parks said in a statement. "She has touched countless individuals over the years, which is why we felt she was a clear choice to receive the Philadelphia Award."

Brown, 78, grew up in Southwest Philadelphia at a time when blacks were excluded from establishment dance companies. Her passion for the art of movement led her to study with Marion Durham Cuyjet, Essie Marie Dorsey, and Sydney Gibson King - all African American dancers who were barred from the mainstream companies and, in turn, formed their own schools.

This thriving artistic training ground launched the celebrated careers of Arthur Hall, Judith Jameson - and Joan Myers Brown.

In addition to founding her school and company, Brown is honorary chair of the International Association of Blacks in Dance, an organization she established. She is also founder of the International Conference of Black Dance Companies.

Brown is a visiting professor at the University of the Arts, which bestowed an honorary doctorate of fine arts on her, and is a member of the dance faculty at Howard University.

She has received numerous awards and was featured a few years ago in the Kennedy Center's Masters of African American Choreography festival, and was selected as one of five Dance Women/Living Legends by New York area presenters, a tribute to five African American women who founded modern dance companies with deep roots in black communities around the country.

Brown said Friday that African Americans still labor to find work in the world of dance, making the Philadelphia Award an even more welcome honor.

"It shows that the arts are important in this city," she said. "They have acknowledged some value in what we do."

"I guess it's my time," she continued. "I'm extremely pleased, and it might make a difference in how people perceive Philadanco."

Last year, Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest received the Philadelphia Award, given to recognize acts of service to the community; it includes a $25,000 honorarium. Past recipients of the Philadelphia Award include Leonore Annenberg, Anne d'Harnoncourt, Edward Rendell, Marian Anderson, the Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, and Sister Mary Scullion.

Contact culture writer Stephan Salisbury at 215-854-5594 or ssalisbury@phillynews.com.
Posted By: October Gallery
Saturday, April 17th 2010 at 6:50PM
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