top of page

The Performance Garage is a unique space dedicated to the art of dance.

MISSION

As a catalyst for creativity, our mission is to cultivate an environment that nurtures dance artists and expands the reach, education and appreciation of dance throughout Philadelphia.

VISION

Our vision is to become a nationally recognized dance organization, offering a sustainable home for artistic excellence and delivering diverse, engaging programming for audiences across Philadelphia & beyond.

VALUES

  • Access: All dance artists must have welcoming, affordable, professional spaces in which to train, create, and perform.

​​

  • Support: Artists thrive when they are equipped with dance specific resources, staff guidance, and opportunities necessary to realize their creative visions.

​​

  • Inclusion: Every dance artist deserves an affirming, inclusive, and nurturing environment to explore and develop their practice.

​​

  • Engagement: Dance audiences should enjoy year-round access to education, performances and programs that reflect the vibrancy of our community.

​​

  • Sustainability: A strong, well-funded home for dance will empower Philadelphia’s dance community and ensure its continued growth and impact.

Our-Story_Pict-2.png

OUR STORY

In 2000, an historic 19th century building in Philadelphia was purchased by Jeanne Ruddy and Victor Keen out of a need for rehearsal space for the newly begun JeanneRuddy Dance, a non-profit modern dance company under the artistic leadership of former Martha Graham Company Principal Dancer Jeanne Ruddy. It was originally a horse stable (1865) and later converted into an auto repair garage (1950s), that had been shuttered and neglected for ten years. It was a blight in the neighborhood. With state, city, and private support, three multi-year renovation phases have followed to transform the space into a professionally accommodating center for dance development with two versatile dance studios, administration offices, and a 105-seat theater designed specifically for dance. 

​

The final season for Jeanne Ruddy Dance was held in 2012, launching a Legacy Plan to preserve the company’s repertory. Ms. Ruddy shifted her focus to keep the Performance Garage open for the needs of the Philadelphia dance community and to ensure its role as a catalyst for creativity. Current programs include DanceSpace, DanceVisions Artist Residency, YouthMoves Community Engagement, DanceFilms, HubChats Panel/Community Discussions, and ongoing performances of local dance companies and schools. Unique to the Philadelphia landscape, the Performance Garage is a distinctive dance hub that, in addition to our programs, offers studio and production rental space to artists, and is a home to choreographers, dancers, and educators at all stages of their careers.

​​

The Performance Garage is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 1515 Brandywine Street in the Spring Garden neighborhood, near Fairmount, and is an official part of Avenue of the Arts North.

​

Read more about the Performance Garage in John Timpane's article for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

bottom of page