Bad Blood

Philadanco reconstructed Bad Blood, a highly physical and seldom-performed piece by Ulysses Dove, which premiered at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in April 2014. Dove (1947–96) was an influential choreographer who was a member of Merce Cunningham Dance Company and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The reconstruction—the first Dove piece in Philadanco's 43-year-old repertory—provided a learning opportunity for dancers, who are used to performing new works by living, contemporary choreographers. Philadanco rehearsal director Debora Chase-Hicks, a former Alvin Ailey dancer herself, who performed in the 1986 New York City premiere of Bad Blood, served as lead instructor. She wasjoined by Ailey veterans Deborah Manning and David St. Charles. In addition, Alfred Dove, Ulysses Dove's brother and choreographer with Dove Arts Project, visited Philadelphia to conduct master classes with Philadanco dancers and outside artists.