Joan Myers Brown
At 80, an age at which most of her peers are playing pinochle, the woman known to her students as “Aunt Joan” doesn’t appear to be slowing down much. She arrives at the West Philly studio of what may be her greatest creation, the 43-year-old dance company Philadanco, every morning around 8:30, before the rush of classes and rehearsals that will continue past 10 at night. Brown often stays well past 11, to keep the maintenance man company. “She lives, eats and breathes dance,” says dancer Brenda Dixon Gottschild, who recently penned a JMB biography. “She is the epitome of the Philadelphia work ethic.”

Over five decades, Brown managed to break down the color wall in modern dance. As a result, Philadanco has become not only a cornerstone of the Philly arts scene, but a national beacon as well. “People think I’m smart,” says Brown. “I get calls every day from people trying to start dance schools.” She offers practical advice—align with a community center or an active church—but what she really offers is hope. Hope that modern dance has room for performers of all stripes. That a career in the arts is still viable. “I address needs,” she says plainly. “There was a need for the company. There was a need for the school. That’s why I do what I do.” —Nick Vadala

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