Edward Schoelwer
March 7, 2025
It is not always true that “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” After 18 years, Contemporary West Dance Theatre (CWDT) is leaving Glitter Gulch and moving to Philadelphia. Their relocated operations in the City of Brotherly Love (street address TBD) begin June 5, 2025. CWDT is making the change of location because of the attraction of Philadelphia’s cultural vibrancy and to enhance the company’s mission of fostering creative and artistic expression
Founded in Las Vegas in 2007 by Bernard H. Gaddis, a former principal dancer from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and Charmaine Hunter, a former principal dancer and ballet mistress from Dance Theatre of Harlem, CWDT was originally known as Las Vegas Dance Theatre. Not long after its founding the company was recognized as one of Nevada’s “Fab Four” arts organizations. Now solely under the artistic directorship of Bernard H. Gaddis, the company was renamed about 5 years ago to Contemporary West Dance Theatre. A contemporary modern ballet company, CWTD has been frequently voted “Best Dance Company to Represent Las Vegas” and Artistic Director Bernard H. Gaddis was recently awarded “Best Choreographer in Las Vegas.”
“We are thrilled to embark on this new journey to Philadelphia,” states founder and artistic director Bernard H. Gaddis. “This move will reflect our commitment to innovation and collaboration within the arts community. We believe Philadelphia’s dynamic atmosphere will inspire our artists and continue to enrich the experience of what we have to offer to our patrons. It will be wonderful to add our artistry to the rich tapestry of the arts community in Philadelphia.”
As it did in Las Vegas, in Philadelphia CWDT will offer educational and training programs and classes for children, pre-professionals, professionals, adults and seniors. Sensational performances are scheduled at Philly’s Fringe Arts Theatre. A program titled “Grit and Grace” will be given November 7 – 9, 2025, and will feature NEW and established audience favorites repertoire: Shards, choreographed by Donald Byrd, music by Mio Morales; a world premiere choreographed by Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish; and SteveLand, choreographed by Bernard H. Gaddis, with music by Stevie Wonder—and other ballets by Mr. Gaddis. CWDT’s celebrated A Cool Yule: A Holiday Spectacular will make its Philadelphia premiere December 19 – 20.
Watch for more information about the relocation and upcoming performances at www.LVDance.org. For booking Contemporary West Dance Theatre for your theater contact Red Shell Mgmt (646) 495-1564 or eschoelwer@redshellmgmt.org.
