Location, Location, Location: Performance Garage
Venue: Performance Garage
Neighborhood: Spring Garden, North Philly
2018 Fringe shows: Moving (“Dancefusion & Sokolow Theatre/Dance Ensemble come together to present three works by legendary choreographer Anna Sokolow”), KCBC X KCBCII (“The Klassic Contemporary Ballet Company and KCBCII perform in their second annual Fringe Festival”), Church & State (The AJ Harper Dance Project and a. dance theatre create innovative, thought-provoking works that touch on the sacred and political dynamic in today’s society), Ruckus Dance: Knockout (in guide, Baby’s First Time to Philly, “a performance from the Boston-based group Ruckus Dance featuring guest artists Subject:Matter”_.
Description: Originally a nineteenth-century horse stable that served “Millionaires Row” on Spring Garden Street, later converted to an automobile garage. Opened as a performance space and host of dance classes in 2000 and underwent a massive $2million renovation in 2016/17. Currently looking for capital funds for Phase II of the project.
Year built: 1850s
Amenities: Large, smooth dance floor in renovated theater space; studio available to rent.
What they’re saying: “We want to nurture dance artists throughout their careers, in all aspects of those careers,” says owner Jeanne Ruddy. “Everything for the dancers.”
Neighborhood features: Located in the Spring Garden neighborhood, just north of Center City and west of Broad Street, the Performance Garage is close a numerous cultural institutions, including the Community College of Philadelphia. While you’re around there, check out charming pub St. Stephen’s Green at 1701 Green Street.