Dance Iquail

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in Philadelphia, Dance Iquail stands as a powerful and unique arts organization that transcends traditional dance. Founded by Dr. Iquail Shaheed, a native of West Philadelphia's Mantua neighborhood, Dance Iquail (DI!) utilizes the art of movement as a conduit for addressing and combating issues of social injustice. From its inception in 2007, DI! has been deeply rooted in the lived experiences of Black Philadelphians, confronting themes such as systemic racism, poverty, mass incarceration, and community disenfranchisement through its compelling performances and impactful educational programs. It's more than just a dance company; it's a social justice organization that brings artists and residents together to tell autobiographical stories, sparking innovation and healing within historically underserved communities. Dance Iquail is dedicated to enriching, healing, and transforming lives through dance and community educational programs, positioning itself as a hub for innovative and inclusive cultural programming. This commitment to both artistic excellence and profound social impact makes Dance Iquail an invaluable cultural asset right here in our city, offering thought-provoking performances and vital community initiatives that resonate deeply with local experiences and challenges.

Location and Accessibility

Dance Iquail is located at 3500 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. This address places the organization firmly within West Philadelphia, specifically in an area that is central and accessible to the communities it serves, including Mantua, West Powelton, Belmont, and Parkside. Lancaster Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in Philadelphia, ensuring that the location is reachable via various modes of transportation. Public transit, including SEPTA bus routes and possibly trolley lines, likely serves this area, making it convenient for individuals who rely on public transport. For those driving, street parking availability can vary in urban settings, but the main road location generally offers some options. The strategic placement of Dance Iquail in West Philadelphia is intentional, allowing it to maintain a hyper-local presence while engaging with global themes through its art. This embeddedness within the community it aims to serve enhances its accessibility and relevance for Philadelphia residents, fostering direct engagement and participation in its programs and performances.

Services Offered

• Social Justice through Dance: Dance Iquail creates and presents works that directly confront issues of social injustice, including racism, sexism, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and poverty, promoting messages of family support and unity.
• Professional Performing Company: DI! maintains a professional dance company that stages concerts and performances featuring innovative and exciting repertory, often incorporating invited dance artists, sets, props, videos, and live musicians. These performances are presented in premiere concert spaces as well as working-class public spaces like community centers and prisons.
• Arts in Education Programs: The organization offers educational initiatives such as Lecture Demonstrations (60 mins) and Master Classes (90 mins). Lecture Demonstrations introduce students to classical and traditional dance, explaining the process of making a dancer, while Master Classes, taught by the Artistic Director and/or Principal dancers, focus on classical and modern dance technique, focus, and discipline for students with previous dance background.
• Youth and Workforce Development: Since 2007, DI! has been a community leader in providing programming for Mantua residents, steering inner-city youth in a positive direction by teaching dance fundamentals, discipline, and other virtues.
• Community Engagement and Creation: Dance Iquail actively incorporates discussion groups and community creation into its artistic process, working directly with individuals impacted by issues such as domestic abuse, addiction, the Black male experience, marginalization of Black women, and incarceration. This fosters creative agency within the community.
• National and International Touring: The company engages in national and international tours, often involving Mantua youth and residents as performers and crew, providing them with global exposure.
• Residencies at Colleges and Universities: DI! conducts residencies at various educational institutions, further extending its reach and educational impact.
• Choreographic Commissions: The company also accepts choreographic commissions, expanding its artistic output and collaborative efforts.
• "Celebrate Mantua" Festival: Dance Iquail conceived and organizes "Celebrate Mantua," a day-long street festival designed to unite and re-energize residents and businesses in West Philadelphia by exposing them to live performances by local dance companies, musical groups, and choirs.

Features / Highlights

• Mission-Driven Art: A core highlight is Dance Iquail's unwavering commitment to using dance as a powerful tool for social justice and healing, particularly for Black Philadelphians. This mission is deeply embedded in all its works and programs.
• Founder's Vision and Expertise: Dr. Iquail Shaheed, the executive artistic director, is a highly acclaimed, internationally recognized dancer, educator, and choreographer with experience across Broadway, opera, concert dance, film, and television. His personal lived experience in Mantua fuels the company's authentic approach.
• Hyperlocal and Global Impact: While deeply rooted in its West Philadelphia community, Dance Iquail also engages in national and international tours, sharing Philadelphia's stories and artistic talent globally.
• Inclusive and Diverse: The organization is committed to embodying diversity in its staff and through its works, ensuring that underserved communities are not only audience members but active stakeholders in the creative process.
• Addressing Difficult Themes with Art: DI! bravely confronts challenging societal issues like racism, sexism, and mass incarceration through its movement language, offering thought-provoking and often healing experiences. For example, their work "Public Enemy" explores Black male identity, policing, and incarceration.
• Community Empowerment: The focus on youth and workforce development, particularly in the Mantua community, provides tangible opportunities for skill-building, positive redirection, and artistic expression for inner-city youth.
• Educational Outreach: Through lecture demonstrations and master classes, Dance Iquail brings the art of dance and its deeper meanings to schools and various community settings.
• Critical Acclaim: Dr. Shaheed himself is "hailed in reviews as 'a perfect example of his generation of male dancers... Technically superb and artistically infallible,'" reflecting the high artistic quality associated with the organization.

Contact Information

Address: 3500 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Phone: (646) 457-7484

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Philadelphia, Dance Iquail is far more than a dance company; it is a vital community institution and a powerful voice for social change, making it exceptionally suitable for locals. Its deep roots in West Philadelphia, particularly in neighborhoods like Mantua, mean that its work directly addresses issues pertinent to our communities, providing artistic expression and healing for those most impacted by social injustices. This localized yet globally recognized approach, led by the inspiring Dr. Iquail Shaheed, ensures that Philadelphia's stories are told with authenticity and artistic excellence. For those seeking cultural enrichment, Dance Iquail offers powerful, thought-provoking performances that challenge perspectives and foster empathy. For families, especially those in underserved areas, the youth and workforce development programs provide invaluable opportunities for engagement, discipline, and positive redirection through the arts. The commitment to accessibility means that the organization strives to make its transformative work available to a broad audience, not just within traditional theater spaces but also in community centers, prisons, and other public venues. By volunteering, attending performances, or participating in educational programs, Philadelphians can actively contribute to and benefit from Dance Iquail’s mission to enrich, heal, and transform lives through movement. In a city as diverse and culturally rich as ours, having an organization like Dance Iquail, which uses the universal language of dance to confront difficult truths and promote unity, is an invaluable asset that deeply enhances our local landscape.

Dance Iquail

3500 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA