dance

"I am fully expecting that simply watching Ronald K. Brown dance is, as they say, worth the price of admission," says Randy Swartz about Philadelphia audiences' first chance to see Brown's company, Evidence, on a Dance Celebration bill. Swartz, DC's artistic director, says that when Brown is onstage "you kind of forget everybody else … He's a tall guy, very striking looking, and he moves in a distinctive way that is charismatic and energizing."

Brown's aesthetic is transferred to his company, for which he is the sole choreographer. His style, an Afro-Caribbean contemporary dance amalgam, marked by sweeping gestures, intricate patterns and spiritual earthiness, speaks to the black experience both past and present.

This program features "Come Ye," a suite honoring freedom fighters and persons devoted to working toward peace on earth, performed to the music of two social singer-activists: Nina Simone and Fela Kuti. Also on the bill is a world premiere solo by the dynamic dancer/choreographer done to the music of James Brown; an audience favorite, "Grace," a homage to Alvin Ailey; and "Dance for Peace," a reflection on death and resurrection.

"I'm curious to see how our audience responds to something with a little bit more gravitas," says Swartz. "This isn't boy-meets-girl stuff. This has to do with values and the society in which we live."

Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Thu., Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 9, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 10, 2 and 8 p.m., $32-$44, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.