2016 Philadelphia Screendance Festival
Tuesday, February 16 - Sunday, February 21
8:30 - 9:30 p.m. (Sunday 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St., Philadelphia
$12-$15

Nora Gibson Contemporary Ballet is presenting a unique new festival. Over a span of six days, 27 "dance-for-camera" short films from film/dance-makers will be shown. The festival runs concurrently with Nora Gibson Contemporary Ballet's premiere of Ephemeral, a full-evening ballet. Ephemeral features a collaboration between NGCB, ambient/electronic composer Michael McDermott and Dutch lighting/installation artist Katinka Marac. 

For more info and to register, click here.

The Tellings of the Trees
Friday, February 19
11 a.m. (school time performance) & 8 p.m.
Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., Philadelphia
$25 general admission; $15 children 12 & under, seniors and college students w/ ID

Enjoy West African culture through story and music performed by Egun Omode. The Tellings of the Trees is the company's fifth production written, directed and produced by artistic director/choreographer Makeda Kemit. The play is intended for all ages, with some of the actors and dancers being as young as four years old. Hear professional drummers on djembe and dundunba and a storyteller narrate the play. Please note that the 11 a.m. performance is a special school-time performance. Group pricing is available.

For more information, click here.

12th Annual Black History Essay Contest
Saturday, February 20
1 - 3 p.m.
Universal Hagar Spiritual Church, 2950 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia
Free

Robert Purvis was a prosperous African-American businessman who helped an estimated 3,000 enslaved people escape north to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Students (grades 3 through 8) were invited to write an essay answering the questions: How did Purvis contribute to social justice? Based onThe Adventures of Robert Purvis: Philadelphia Hero, how do you think he would respond to one of these current movements: immigration reform, Black lives matter, and access to quality education? Listen to the winning essays, a keynote speech and enjoy refreshments.

For more information, click here.

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