Keeping Philadelphia Dance Vibrant

Now in its 33rd year, Susan Hess Modern Dance nurtures the professional development of independent dance artists in Philadelphia and seeks to grow audiences for contemporary dance and the performing arts.

Our curatorial vision recognizes how innovators in movement language have always responded to culture and community. We offer spaces for dialogue, reflection and exploration, encouraging risk and asking artists what they have learned from the “errors,” since these inform and direct as much as the “successes.”

Susan Hess Modern Dance encourages investigations in all philosophies and techniques of contemporary dance – from Butoh to Breaking, Contact Improvisation to Tanztheater. We emphasize the artists’ dedication to their craft, expansion of their vision, and application of judgment to their work.

It is the mission of Susan Hess Modern Dance to serve emerging and professional
choreographers, dancers, performance artists, and audiences
in an environment where creativity and experimentation flourish.