Philly dancers get funding for theater

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Jeanne Ruddy Dance, Philadelphia's only contemporary dance company, has received $20,000 in grants to finish the redesign and renovation of its studio theater.

The U.S. National Endowment for the Arts has pledged a $10,000 grant, which Philadelphia's Department of Commerce has promised to match, so the group can complete its "Performance Garage."

According to NEA Chairman Dana Gioia, the grant was made as part of the Challenge America Fast Track Program to support communities across the nation in their efforts to cultivate local artistic resources and provide greater access to the arts for residents and visitors.

Jeanne Ruddy, a former Martha Graham Company principal dancer, founded her dance troupe in 1999 to perform her own works and works by other leading contemporary choreographers. The Performance Garage is located in Philadelphia's Spring Garden neighborhood and when finished will provide 13,000 square feet of performance and rehearsal space as well as administrative offices.