Bad Boys of Dance Set for Annenberg Center, 2/20-22

A high-octane troupe of stellar dancers towing the lines of classical and contemporary movement, Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance features "fast and furious pop dancers steeped in ballet basics" (Chicago Tribune). Appearing on the stage at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, February 20-22, the company's fast-paced 80-minute signature program is performed by six male and two female dancers to a soundtrack of popular music from Kanye West, Michael Jackson, Coldplay, The Beatles, Robin Thicke, Usher, Queen, Justin Timberlake and more.

Performances take place Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 PM; Friday, Feb. 21 at 8 PM; and Saturday, Feb. 22 at 2 PM and 8 PM. Tickets are $20-$55 ($10 for students; prices subject to change) and are available by calling 215.898.3900, visiting annenbergcenter.org or stopping by the Box Office at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.

The program, choreographed by co-artistic director, resident choreographer and USA International Junior Gold Medalist Adrienne Canterna, includes two acts: "Don't Stop Believin'" features 10 high-energy dances, while "We are the Champions" is set to 19 distinctive pop songs showcasing the athleticism and amazing talent of the virtuoso performers. The ensemble's choreographic vocabulary, consisting of 180-plus extensions, endless turns, soaring jumps, no-handed round-offs and split leaps, is combined with attention-grabbing, well-rehearsed ensemble sections.

Says founder Rasta Thomas of his ensemble, which performs more than 200 shows per year in over 25 countries: "They are the dancers of tomorrow, 'hybrids' who can do it all, from ballet to hip-hop. They have an unparalleled ability to morph from one style to another and are entertaining and exciting to watch." Thomas' vision is to bring dance out of the concert halls and to the masses.

Bad Boys of Dance will also conduct a Student Discovery program on Friday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 AM, and a master class as part of Dance Celebration's Artist to Artist Series on Friday, Feb. 21 at 1 PM. For more information, contact Anne-Marie Mulgrew at Dance Affiliates by calling 215-636-9000, ext. 110, emailing Annemarie@danceaffiliates.org or visiting www.danceaffiliates.org.

The Bad Boys of Dance performances continue Dance Celebration's 31st season, presented by Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center. The Dance Celebration series will continue in 2014 with Doug Elkins choreography, etc. (March 6-8), BODYTRAFFIC (April 3-5) and MOMIX (May 8-11).