Headlong Dance Theater

For those in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a keen interest in the vibrant and often boundary-pushing world of contemporary dance and performance art, Headlong Dance Theater stands as a beacon of innovation. Founded in 1993 by David Brick, Andrew Simonet, and Amy Smith, Headlong has established itself as one of Philadelphia's most audacious and influential performance groups. Unlike traditional dance companies that might adhere to a single style, Headlong is known for its collaborative approach, developing unique movement vocabularies for each new piece and constantly exploring the intersection of dance with other art forms and everyday life.

Headlong Dance Theater's mission extends beyond simply performing; it aims to create and present "new and visionary works of dance theater that use the entire body, including the voice, the face and the mind." This holistic approach to performance means their works are often deeply engaging, thought-provoking, and accessible to audiences beyond traditional dance enthusiasts. They actively seek to bring "new audiences closer to dance by performing informally, in nontraditional venues," challenging conventional notions of where and how dance can be experienced. This commitment to accessibility and innovation has allowed them to create over 40 dance works that are not only formally experimental but also deeply connected to contemporary issues and audience engagement.

The company's eclectic movement backgrounds, which include modern dance, ballet, jazz, tap, contact improvisation, releasing techniques, theater, sports, sign language, Bharata Natyam, and Ghanaian dance, contribute to the rich and diverse nature of their creations. This breadth of experience allows Headlong to craft performances that are truly unique and responsive to the themes they explore. Their focus on process and collaborative creation means that each work is a deeply researched and embodied exploration, often incorporating elements of everyday life and personal narratives.

Headlong Dance Theater's reputation is not only built on their captivating performances but also on their contributions to the artistic community. They have received significant recognition, including a Bessie Award for Choreography for their production of "Star Wars and Other Stories," a testament to their groundbreaking approach. Beyond performances, Headlong has a history of community outreach and engagement, often involving local residents in their projects, such as the acclaimed "This Town Is a Mystery," which featured real Philadelphia families performing dances in their own homes. This commitment to embedding art within the community makes Headlong a truly unique cultural asset for Philadelphia.

While specific public reviews about their space are generally positive, highlighting a "beautiful, and clean" place with "positive vibes, and great location," it's important to understand Headlong's broader impact. Their work is often reviewed by arts critics and lauded for its "provocative, challenging theatre about urgent, contemporary issues in brilliantly theatrical and exhilarating ways." They are considered "fearless innovators" who constantly "stir up the theatre scene," making them a compelling destination for those seeking artistic experiences that push boundaries and spark dialogue. For Philadelphians, encountering a Headlong performance or engaging with their programs offers a chance to experience world-class, thought-provoking dance theater right in their own city.

Headlong Dance Theater is conveniently situated on South Broad Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, placing it within a significant cultural corridor of the city. The theater's address is:

1170 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA

This location in South Philadelphia, often referred to as the "Avenue of the Arts," ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. South Broad Street is a major artery, well-served by various SEPTA bus lines, and is within close proximity to subway stations (Broad Street Line), making it highly convenient for public transportation users. For those who prefer to drive, while street parking can be a factor in urban areas, there are typically parking garages and lots available nearby, though it's always advisable to plan ahead. The theater's presence in this culturally rich part of Philadelphia allows it to be a central point for dance enthusiasts and those looking to experience innovative performance art within their local community.

• Creation and Performance of New Dance Works: Specializing in collaboratively developed, innovative, and often experimental dance theater pieces.
• Public Performances: Showcasing their original works to diverse audiences.
• Community Engagement Projects: Creating performances that often involve and are rooted in local communities and non-traditional venues.
• Artist Training Programs: While current rental offerings are limited, they have historically run the Headlong Performance Institute, a training program for experimental performance creation (note: check current availability for individual classes).
• Workshops and Residencies: Periodically offer opportunities for artists and the public to engage with their creative process and unique methodologies.
• Fiscal Sponsorship (Incubated Arts Program): Provides resources and support for BIPOC, queer, trans, and woman artists transforming Philadelphia's arts scene.
• Studio Space (Limited Availability): Historically offered studio time, sometimes in collaboration with Mascher Space Cooperative (check current availability).
• Collaborative Projects: Engages in partnerships with other artists and organizations to create and present new work.
• Educational Outreach: Aims to make dance accessible and relevant to new audiences.
• Touring Performances: Their works are performed nationally and internationally.

• Innovative Dance Theater: Renowned for creating groundbreaking works that blend dance with various theatrical and artistic elements.
• Collaborative Creation Process: Develops unique movement vocabularies for each piece, often involving diverse artistic backgrounds.
• Award-Winning Company: Recipient of prestigious awards like a Bessie Award for Choreography.
• Audience Engagement Focus: Actively seeks to involve audiences and present work in accessible, non-traditional ways.
• "Beautiful and Clean" Space: Positive feedback regarding the physical environment of their location.
• "Positive Vibes": Creates a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for visitors and participants.
• Strategic Location: Situated on Philadelphia's "Avenue of the Arts," enhancing its accessibility and cultural significance.
• Diverse Movement Backgrounds: Incorporates elements from modern, ballet, jazz, tap, contact improvisation, theater, and various global dance forms.
• Support for Local Artists: Through programs like the Incubated Arts Program, they empower and support other Philadelphia artists.
• Long-Standing Legacy: Over three decades of continuous contribution to the Philadelphia arts scene since 1993.

To learn more about Headlong Dance Theater's performances, programs, or to inquire about collaborations, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1170 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA

Phone: (215) 545-9195

Mobile Phone: +1 215-545-9195

For residents of Philadelphia, Headlong Dance Theater is an indispensable cultural asset that offers far more than just traditional entertainment. Its strategic location on South Broad Street, within the city’s bustling "Avenue of the Arts," ensures excellent accessibility via public transportation, making it convenient for anyone across the city to experience their groundbreaking work. This ease of access encourages locals to engage with high-quality, thought-provoking performance art right in their own backyard.

What truly makes Headlong Dance Theater suitable for the Philadelphia community is its unique approach to dance and performance. They are known for creating works that are not only artistically audacious and formally experimental but also deeply relevant and accessible, challenging audiences in a compelling way. This means that whether you are a seasoned arts patron or new to contemporary dance, you will find their performances to be engaging and inspiring. The consistently positive reviews regarding their "beautiful, and clean" space and "positive vibes" also ensure a pleasant and welcoming experience for all visitors.

Beyond their performances, Headlong Dance Theater's commitment to community engagement and supporting local artists through initiatives like the Incubated Arts Program further solidifies its value to Philadelphians. By fostering an environment of innovation and artistic exploration, Headlong actively contributes to the cultural vibrancy and intellectual curiosity of the city. For anyone in Pennsylvania seeking to engage with cutting-edge dance, be challenged by new ideas, and support a truly impactful local arts organization, Headlong Dance Theater offers an unparalleled and enriching experience.

Headlong Dance Theater

1170 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA