# University City: The Rita Jones Dance Company Makes a Comeback at the Rotunda

 ![](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/MG_2424-300x263.jpg)Rita Jones Dance Company performed Gloomy Sunday by Billie Holiday After a 10-year hiatus, the Rita Jones Dance Company dedicated an intimate performance of the classics from the Billie Holiday era to the techniques of modern dance and drama. The dance company auditions Philadelphia’s finest and showcases them in a modern dance and drama style, made popular by dancers like Martha Graham, with a love for theater. “The Rotunda provides a place for artists to showcase their talents,” said Gina Renzi, director of The Rotunda. “Talented groups like the Rita Jones Dance Company are groups that we like to help out with performances and other resources like marketing.” The Rita Jones Dance Company returned to the stage in University City to present an in-depth look on growing up and the death of a spouse.  Featured songs included *Black Coffee* by Peggy Sue and *Gloomy Sunday* by Billie Holiday. The performance also featured seven dancers of both young and old to make the classics and themes of the performance come alive. All of the donations collected at the door went to the Jefferson Hospital Kimmel Cancer Research Center.  Jones’ own experience with the sickness and death of her husband inspired both the donation and dedication of the performance this past Wednesday night. “I am building my company up again,” Rita Jones promised. “Our performance at The Rotunda is a reintroduction of my company to Philadelphia.”