Christi Janney’s passion for choreography inspired her to establish The Eclipse Performing Dance Company in 2012 with the intention of bringing something different to our community.  In addition to paramount skill, members captivate audiences with power and sheer emotion – this is performing arts at its finest!  Eclipse promotes a ‘no holds barred’ approach to dance choreography and all exhibitions possess an unparalleled uniqueness.  All Eclipse productions are presented as completely original, full length composition that is created, directed, and choreographed by Christi Janney. She had a bold vision for Eclipse and has successfully brought that degree of ingenuity to the stage.

Eclipse was initially designed primarily for talented adults in the several years following high school graduation.  Up to that point, most students had been accustomed to life-long training and a grueling schedule of classes five to six days per week. This is when talent is at its highest and available performance opportunities are at their lowest.  Performing with Eclipse allows them to continue doing what they love, but more importantly, it gives the community an opportunity to appreciate their talents.  In addition to local participation, members have traveled from Baltimore, Salisbury, Washington DC, Delaware, Virginia, Pittsburg PA, Hershey PA and North Carolina just for weekly Eclipse rehearsals.

Eclipse’s inaugural production, STORM, was presented at Cecil College’s Milburn Stone Theatre in July 2012 and was so well received that it prompted an encore presentation in 2014 and then again in 2019.  STORM was inspired by the backbone of the Eclipse vision: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.”  Recognition from STORM was overwhelming from the community and also from the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.  They invited dancers to perform excerpts from STORM in their ‘Choose Respect’ conference at the Cultural Arts Center at Montgomery College in February 2014. The Eclipse holiday productions, Thriller Nights and Spirit of Christmas, gained much popularity as they, too, have been accredited with encore presentations. The inspirational Just Breathe provided encouragement to stand together in the fight against cancer and holds an especially affectionate place in our hearts.  Eclipse was honored to present Controversy in June 2016 and then take it ON TOUR in 2020.  It sent a powerful message against all forms of prejudice in an effort to ‘heal the world.’  In September  of 2017, Eclipse Performing Dance Company presented its first broadway production, CHICAGO.  Eclipse turned a corner, and many heads, with their risque interpretation of the fight for fame amidst the frenzy of murder and adultery. In a twist of diversity, Eclipse has also dabbled into producing full length licensed Disney productions! Beauty and The Beast wowed audiences of all ages in 2018 and The Little Mermaid kept all of their “poor unfortunate souls” captivated in 2019. Eclipse’s momentum came to an abrupt halt in 2020 when the pandemic hit and artists all over the world suffered a huge loss. Through that darkness came the inspiration for The Love Project, an original work presented in 2021 about the 8 different types of love categorized by Greek philosophers – Mania, Philautia, Philia, Ludus, Eros, Storge, Pragma and Agape. Most recently, Eclipse has taken a speakeasy approach on it’s upcoming 7th original work, Vaudeville Showcase! It combines all of your vaudeville favorites into one hella performance. 

Eclipse has since broadened their spectrum to include, not only the adult professional company, but also an Internship/Apprenticeship program.  It allows the dancers in that program many opportunities not readily available to most intermediate level dancers. They audition, perform, rehearse, and train in a professional environment dedicated to nurturing their success.  Eclipse additionally offers Dance Education Classes, Private Instruction, Wedding Packages, Music Lessons and Eclipse Yoga!

Christi Janney is extremely proud of the many successes and expansions of Eclipse PDC.  She is extremely thankful to her professional dancers that give of their time and talents because they, too, understand the vision.

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.”