MARLISA BROWN-SWINT

A native Philadelphian, Marlisa Brown-Swint was introduced very early to the world of dance. She grew up in and around The Philadelphia School of Dance Arts (PSDA)- little did she realize this was the beginning of a very special relationship. Then and now teachers, dancers, dance classes and recitals are a part of her daily routine.



Mrs. Brown-Swint, now Director of PSDA, runs it like the prodigy she is. In addition to being the director of PSDA, she is currently the Director of Operations for PHILADANCO! where she supervises over 20 dancers and staff members. She is a part of every aspect of the management team at PHILADANCO! including working with Ms. Joan Myers Brown (her mother), daily. Mrs. Brown-Swint partners and collaborates with the Managing Director, the development team, marketing, finance, artistic, touring, and production departments. Along with her many duties, she also enjoys fundraising and event planning, which are two of her stand-out achievements.

Presently, she has created Legacy Conversations in the newly renovated Danco Theater. This program ensures that PHILADANCO!’s strong history of holding the integrity of dance is sustained and preserved through conversations with legendary and emerging artists. She is part of the team for the Wallace Foundation Arts Initiative research grant and serves as a consultant to The String Theory School of the Arts, which is opening a new K-12 charter school named after her mother Joan Myers Brown (The JMB School of the Arts).

Marlisa assisted with organizing The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) conferences when they are held in Philadelphia. She consistently volunteers for IABD every year in cites around the world. Marlisa also oversees PHILADANCO!’s youth ensemble D/3 with organizing classes, rehearsals, developmental programs, and performance schedules.