As part of Black History Month, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts is hosting a celebration of Black dance in America throughout February.
“Celebration: Honoring the Culture and History of Black Dance” is on Feb. 15. It represents “a celebration of the history, diversity, and beauty that resides within African American Culture through the voices of community artists from around Baltimore County,” according to a press release.
Later in the month, more than 1,000 students from Baltimore County Public Schools will attend a performance from the Philadelphia Dance Company, also known as “Philadanco!” The dance company will perform twice on Feb. 29; once during the day for students and another performance in the evening open to the public.
Philadanco, formed in 1970, “has a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides,” according to its website.
“The Office of Performing Arts is thrilled to partner with the Gordon Center in providing a high-quality arts opportunity for over 500 BCPS students as a part of Philadanco’s residency in Baltimore County,” Sonia Synkowksi, coordinator for the Office of Performing Arts, said in the release. “Live arts experiences can leave a lasting impact, and we thank the Gordon Center for its commitment to BCPS students.”
In addition to dance performances, another way to honor Black History Month is by visiting the Meyerhoff Arts Gallery. The exhibit “Bridge to Freedom: Cross Cultural Conversations Through Art” will continue to be on display through the end of the month. Created by student artists at The Seed School of Maryland, the exhibit “focuses on the relationship between Blacks and Jews and the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” according to the release.
“We care very deeply that the performers on our stage reflect the diversity of our great county and state,” Sara Shalva, Chief Arts Officer at the Gordon Center, said in the release. “The Gordon Center is committed to celebrating dance and celebrating African American contributions to this beautiful art form, by prioritizing Black owned and directed dance companies and schools.”
