How a Tiny College Hours Away Rescued a Philly Dance Legacy
A year ago this week, the University of the Arts in Center City announced that it was suddenly closing its doors, forever, due to financial problems. The decision shocked its students, faculty, and the city at large. But there was one bright spot: The UArts dance program was saved by a tiny college in Vermont. And now we’re told that the dance program is expected to return to Philadelphia from its current location at Vermont’s Bennington College in the 2026-2027 academic year. So we’re revisiting our conversation between host Trenae Nuri, Laura Walker, president of Bennington College, and Donna Faye Burchfield, director of the dance program, about how, and why, Bennington saved this Philly jewel.
Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly
Call or text us: 215-259-8170
We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Blank Street Coffee is Just the Latest NYC Business in Philly – Why?
In recent weeks there’s been online chatter about whether Philadelphians should patronize Blank Street, a New York coffee chain that open...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Philly
What’s a seemingly small project in Philly that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...
Teen Meet-Ups, Thousands of Homes Under Construction & a New Museum That’s All About Us
We’re talking about teen meet-ups stirring public safety concerns — where are the spaces for youth to hang out across the city? Plus, the...
Voting Republican in Philly, Finding Use for the Roundhouse & Staycationing on the Delaware River
The Republican party faces an uphill battle as they try to win support in a hugely Democratic city. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by creativ...
Drag Shows, Science Museum Closure & Mayoral Candidates. Plus: Our Favorite Bar Food
City Council held its first session last week introducing nearly 50 bills and resolutions ranging from keeping life affordable in the cit...
Why is PA Fighting the CDC? Plus: City Trash Contracts & Will Roosevelt Blvd Get a Subway
Pennsylvania has reported four measles deaths in the past month, marking the first deaths in the Commonwealth related to once-eradicated...
Rocky’s Final Run Up the Art Museum Steps
The Rocky statue has been playing musical chairs between the top, bottom, and inside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s now taking i...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks
Did you know that Philly neighborhoods have seen drops in depression and crime, all because vacant lots were revitalized? Thanks to the P...
House of Horrors in Olney, Judge Wants Krasner Investigated & an Evacuation at City Hall
City Hall was evacuated Thursday morning during City Council’s first meeting of the season after a suspicious package was found. Host Tre...
Should PPA Rent Parking Spots to ICE? Plus: Job Search Tips & Pay-What-You-Can Dining
A couple of Philadelphia restaurants are bringing back the pay-what-you-can model of customers ordering what they want and then just payi...