This week, I caught up with a familiar face from the Philadelphia dance community, Shawn-Lamere Williams, the Artistic Director of Eleone Dance Company. These days, Shawn and the amazing dancers of Eleone are hard at work preparing for what has become a pillar of the Philly holiday season - Carols In Color.

For twenty years, Eleone Dance Company has brought Philly together to celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday with this original, soul-stirring, music-filled dance masterpiece. From the joyous hymns and anthems, to the electrifying dancers and vibrant costumes, Carols In Color celebrates Christmas in a way only Philly can.

So, grab your family, friends and loved-ones and come out to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this fantastic Philadelphia holiday tradition! You can get your tickets here.

Carols In Color

December 17 & 18

3 p.m. & 7 p.m. shows

The Kurtz Center of The Performing Arts

3000 West School House Lane

Watch this video for a look at this exciting production, and be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Shawn-Lamere Wililams below!

Exclusive Philly 360° Insider Interview with Shawn-Lamere Williams:

James: So, are you a Philly native? Tell us a few of your favorite things to do around town.

Shawn-Lamere: Yes I am. I was born and raised in South Philly.  One of my favorite things to do in Philly is going to support other dance companies, like Philadanco, Koresh and Rennie Harris Puremovement.  Also, I truly love spending an evening out enjoying the talented students of Freedom Theatre or CAPA, and then going to my favorite restaurant - Ms. Tootsie's. 

I love shopping and Walnut Street has some fabulous stores, so you can always find me in H&M or Zara!

James: So how long have you been dancing? How did you decide to pursue this as your career/profession?

Shawn-Lamere: I've been dancing since the age of nine! (do I have to tell my age? lol) My elementary school had a fabulous arts program as part of their curriculum in the late 70's. (I think I just told my age. lol.) I couldn't sing, so I never wanted to go to music. Art was fun, but then I got paint on one of my favorite outfits and I was done with that!  I love the drama classes, because I've always been very dramatic. lol

But, when they tossed me into the dance classes, I told Leroy from the movie Fame there was a new Divo in town.  Just kidding! Actually, Leroy from Fame was one of my greatest inspirations. I was hooked after seeing that movies in the 80's.

Shawn-Lamere: Well, it's a show about the birth of Jesus Christ and many people who believe that Jesus is the reason for the season come and celebrate with us. It's a show about having faith and standing tall even when there's a struggle. I remember when my audience was 300 people, but now it's over 3,000.

Also, I've always had the best support from the cast of Carols In Color. The show used to be 40 cast members, but now it's a cast of 70! And, even though the show is about the story of Christ's birth, we have all kinds of people come see the show. They tell us that it really puts them in the holiday spirit.  I'm proud to say Carols In Color has become a Philadelphia tradition, and it's because of the fans of the show.  A lot of them have been there since 1992.

James: Has the concept of Carols in Color evolved in any way during the 20 year long run? 

Shawn-Lamere: Oh yes, I'm constantly tweaking and enhancing. This year will be the first time we perform the show away from Freedom Theatre, which has been our home for about the last 7 years.  We will be performing at the Kurtz Center for the Performing Arts at The William Penn Charter School. This year we added some new arrangements and choreography.  But, I must say Leon did an amazing job with this show.  He conceived it, choreographed it, arranged and played on all of the music.  He will always be a huge part of Philadelphia's dance and artistic legacy.

James: Along with having the tremendous talent of Eleone dancers, this is an incredibly musical show as well.  Who are some of the vocalist that will be featured in this year's show?

Shawn-Lamere: Well I'll tell you this, we have a musical director nameed Patrick Crawford, and he is amazingly talented. This show has had some very talented singers in the past and present, including vocalists like Carol Riddick, Veronica Underwood, Jeremy Holder, Renee Robinson, and groups like Imani and 2Fold. A few of them are still with the show this year!


James: Finally, what can audiences expect when coming out to see this special 20th Anniversary performance of Carols In Color?

Shawn-Lamere: They can expect dynamic vocals, soul-stirring dancing and a real Baby Jesus - who steals the show every time! Also, folks can come out for my own return to the stage. I haven't performed with the show in five years.  Do I still have it? Well, folks would have to come to the performance and see!