Phoenix
Danse
is committed to sharing our artistry in Philadelphia, throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and across the nation
Phoenix Danse: Bold. Professional. Unapologetic.
Phoenix Danse (formerly known as Danse4Nia Repertory Ensemble) is the professional, project-based dance company of Danse4Nia.
In honor of Danse4Nia’s 15th Anniversary season and pivoting the structure of the organization through the Covid-19 pandemic, Phoenix Danse was born.
20th Anniversary Phoenix Danse Artists
The inaugural members of Phoenix Danse
These members served as the cast for Danse4Nia’s film “Oh No Not My Son- A Mother’s Confession”:
Paris Jones as Sybrina
Jamey L. Rislin as Geneva
Janelle Ardrey as Sandra
Lillian Abner (Nia-Next Member) as Gianni
Jude Evans as Black Lives Matter Protestor
Candace Sumpter as Lucy
Maika Morin as Wanda
Sarah Smith (Nia-Next Member) as Breonna
Kenneth Martin as Black Lives Matter Protestor
Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore as Gwen
Cherae Grimes as Julia
Jordan Dease Medley (Nia-Next Member) as Hadiyah
Kai Yarborough as Lezley
Maya Petty as Catherine
Joilet F. Harris as “Mother Griot”
A Danse4Nia Production A Danse4Nia/ Phoenix Danse Film
“Oh No Not My Son"- A Mother’s Confession
About
“Oh No Not My Son- A Mother’s Confession”
mines what all humans have in common—we all have mothers with whom we have a body-to-body bond, and we have a common response to a mother’s pain. Dance is also such a commonality that is a catalyst to a corporal response regardless how it is experienced—directly through movement or indirectly through watching others move. Broadly, Mothers’ Confession looks at mothers who have suffered the violent death of a child (gun violence, police brutality, gang violence, hate group violence, domestic violence, ravages of mental illness, and war) and the intimate and larger community that surrounds them.
Production Staff of
“Oh No Not My Son- A Mother’s Confession”:
Conceived & Directed By: Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore
Project Researcher: Dr. Joan Huckstep
Ensemble Choreographer/ Rehearsal Director: Wayne St. David
Production Manager: Pamela Hobson
Music Director: Damon “Mr. Dizzy Fingers” Bennett
Sound Design: Larry Fowler
Costume Design: Andre Harrington
Costume/ Wardrobe Staff: Candace Smith, Patricia Scott Hobbs,
Dr. Joan Huckstep
Choreographers:
- Stay Strong Ensemble- Molly Misgalla
- Oh No Not My Son, Breathe TRio, Black Is Ensemble- Wayne St. David
- Sybrina Solo- Sheryl Pollard Thomas
- Lucy Solo- Nia Eubanks Dixon
- Gwen Solo- Dyane Harvey Salaam
- Lezley Solo- Hollie Wright
- Geneva/ Sandra Duet, #Say Her Name TRio- A. C. Gilmore
- Gianni Solo- Patricia Scott Hobbs
Mother Griot Research, Written Monologue- Joilet F. Harris
Casting: Antoinette M. Coward-Gilmore, Dyane Harvey Salaam, Molly Misgalla
Movie Premiere: Sunday, October 31, 2021 @ Danse4Nia’s 15th Anniversary Gala
Web Site Photo Credits:
Linette Kienlinski of Kielinski Photographt
Larry Dixon of Larry Dixon Photography
Tyrone Smith of TSmith Photography
iSashaMedia
Zebra Visuals
Jaci Downs Photography
What People Are Saying About PHOENIX DANSE formerly DANSE4NIA REPERTORY ENSEMBLE
“The movement and presentation had an affirming quality, and there was clear sisterhood.” – Walter Rutledge, Walter’s World
“An interesting mix of classical modern movement with contemporary dance elements and personal overtones gave the evening an elegant and understated tone. Danse4Nia’s voice nonetheless danced with power and purpose.” – Kariamu Welsh, thINKingDANCE
Book Us
Bring the power, passion, and purpose of Danse4Nia to your stage, school, or special event. Whether you’re seeking a captivating performance, a dynamic workshop, or a meaningful community engagement, our dancers deliver unforgettable experiences that inspire and uplift.
To book Danse4Nia, contact:
Antoinette Coward-Gilmore
Let’s create something powerful—together.