News of Delaware County - 9/12/07

For Music & Motion Dance, the annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe has become a rite of passage. The dancers first performed in the Fringe festival four years ago, when the majority of the group was in their early teens. They were one of the first youth companies to participate in the festival, which provides artists from all over the world with an opportunity to exchange creative energies and ideas, and share their work with audiences and the international arts community.

Now with the 2007 Fringe on the horizon and with most of the original cast in their freshman and sophomore years of college, the group looks back at its own transformation and growth from being a part of the “fringe experience”.

Each year, Music & Motion Dance, a performance based dance company comprised of young adults ages fifteen through twenty-one years of age, spends an average of six months preparing an entirely new dance work for fringe. A typical production is comprised of anywhere between eighteen to twenty individual pieces, and each dancer contributes to all facets in the selection of music, interpretation, and the actual choreography. Everything in the company is done as a group process.

Being able to perform in a professional arena with other major dance companies and artists locally, nationally and internationally pushes the group “to perform at their very best,” according Noelle Tolbert, a four-year veteran dancer of Fringe. She adds, “There is always a lot of pressure in getting ready for Fringe, but out of this experience we have always grown closer as a group. The camaraderie we experience along with the memories from Fringe will be with us for a lifetime.”

Kristen Konski, also a Fringe veteran dancer, will perform for perhaps the last time at Fringe, as she prepares to continue her college studies abroad in Australia next year. Now at eighteen years of age, it is a mix of bittersweet feelings that she moves on, especially in looking back at what she has achieved personally from participating in the festival. “Fringe is a big deal for us, it is a chance to showcase what we have accomplished all season in what tends to also be the largest venue and audience of the season as well,” states Kristen. It has challenged them to “be more creative, think outside of the box and try things we would never have tried before” she adds.

For the entire cast of Music & Motion, there is a nervous energy and excitement with the Fringe festival just weeks away. “Being in Fringe is the realization that we are a part of something much larger, a means of bringing the performing arts to so many people. It builds community, makes performances accessible to all, and truly fosters an environment of artistic freedom and expression,” according to dancer Andrea Piovane. “That,” she is quick to add, “is so in keeping with what our dance company is all about.”

You can catch Music & Motion Dance production of RED on Saturday, September 8th at 2:00 and 8:00 pm at the Concert Hall, Independence Seaport Museum, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia. Tickets are $10 online at http://www.music-and-motion.com/fringe.html or through the Fringe Box Office at 215.413.1318 . The group will be donating a portion of ticket sales to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Music & Motion Dance Productions returns for its 4th year at
Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe
RED
Saturday, September 8th, 2007
Two performances at 2:00 & 8:00 PM
Concert Hall, Independence Seaport Museum
Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia.
Tickets: $10 online at www.music-and-motion.com
or through the Fringe Box Office 215.413.1318

Music & Motion Dance Productions will premiere their new dance work – RED at the 2007 Philly Fringe on September 8th at 2pm & 8pm at the Independence Seaport Museum, Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia.

Music and Motion Dance’s new work RED, offers us an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

A single color, RED, becomes the defining point of a relationship, as one is caught up in whirlwind of seduction, passion, anger, romance and joy. Ultimately this color journey leads us to an empowering view of who we are and what is truly possible.

Artistic director Steven Weisz acknowledges, “Allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough to just put your feelings out there is what makes the creation of RED more difficult than previous dance works this group has created. Yet, the end results are something that touches all of us with a greater self-awareness.”

Music & Motion Dance has been a unique dance company from the start. It is neither a dance school nor a competition team. The dancers themselves come from all over the greater Philadelphia region. Comprised of youth’s ages 15-21, this group has come together from various backgrounds out of a love of dance and a desire to express themselves through performance. In fact, the dancers have formed this non-profit company and input on every aspect of its operation - from marketing to production and from dance concept to choreography.

The development of RED has opened up a whole new dialogue for the cast members of Music & Motion Dance and they are quick to add, that it has also provided a basis of discussion about relationships in a more open fashion with the audiences they serve.

What is remarkable is how insightful the entire group has become as a result of this production. “Relationships mean compromise” according to Andrea Piovane of Bensalem. But the group has learned so much more in this journey. As Kate Lubenetski of Quakertown explains, “Feeling comfortable about talking means feeling good about yourself. You need self-esteem to feel assertive. Be as true to yourself as you can. Respect your own thoughts and opinions and be honest about them. Your partner will love you for who you are. Pretending to be something you’re not won’t work in the long term.”

In their final piece, which focuses on resolve and self-fulfillment, the entire cast makes that message so very clear, as one can feel not only the inner strength they have developed, but also with it the grace, beauty and self-confidence they exude as a group.

Music & Motion Dance Productions is a non-profit corporation, which is both owned and operated by teens with mentoring from outside corporations and individuals. It is a group of pre-professional dancers ages fourteen thru twenty, who have expressed an interest in pursuing dance and the performing arts. Under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, this group’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression and community action. Music & Motion fulfills the need for providing young dancers with performing experience in a nurturing environment, while continually exciting audiences wherever they perform. The collaborative efforts of the entire company create a synergy rich in imagination, celebration and spirit.

2007 Cast Members are:
Julie Ann D’Angelo, Bristol, PA
Jennifer Durham, Newfield, NJ
Stacey Folks, Pennsburg, PA
Grace Harman, Philadelphia, PA
Christina Heupel, Newtown, PA
Lauren Mulholland, Aston, PA
Ashley Klemmer, Whitehall, PA
Kristen Konski, Bristol, PA
Jennifer Kransbluky, Lansdale, PA
Jennifer Laucella, Horsham, PA
Kate Lubenetski, Quakertown, PA
Melissa Martin, Schwenksville, PA
Andrea Piovane, Bensalem, PA
Alexandra Ruch, Horsham, PA
Noelle Tolbert, Harleysville, PA

Additional Information:
http://www.Music-and-Motion.com/fringe.html

Music & Motion Dance will be performing “RED” in the Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden at the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA on Wednesday, August 8th at 7:30 PM

Come to the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown on Wednesday, August 8th at 7:30 PM for a great evening with Music & Motion Dance in the beautiful Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden and Terrace! Jimmy Duffy’s The Watershed Café at the Museum will have a special menu and the Museum Shop will be open. This performance will be held rain or shine, either outside on the Terrace or inside in the Silverman Pavilion. The event is FREE after paying general Museum admission or with Museum membership. No reservations required, but seating is limited. Museum galleries will be open until 9 pm.

Set to premiere at the Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe in September, Music and Motion Dance’s new work RED, offers us an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

A single color, RED, becomes the defining point of a relationship, as one is caught up in whirlwind of seduction, passion, anger, romance and joy. Ultimately this color journey leads us to an empowering view of who we are and what is truly possible.

Music & Motion Dance Productions is a non-profit corporation, which is both owned and operated by teens with mentoring from outside corporations and individuals. It is a group of pre-professional dancers ages fourteen thru nineteen, who have expressed an interest in pursuing dance and the performing arts. Under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, this group’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression and community action.

To that end, Music & Motion performs locally and in surrounding communities throughout the year, as well as performances in a fully professional atmosphere presented for corporations, museums, gardens, and live arts related venues. Music & Motion fulfills the need for providing young dancers with performing experience in a nurturing environment, while continually exciting audiences wherever they perform. The collaborative efforts of the entire company create a synergy rich in imagination, celebration and spirit.

2007 Cast Members are: Julie Ann D’Angelo, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Durham, Newfield, NJ; Stacey Folks, Pennsburg, PA; Grace Harman, Philadelphia, PA; Christina Heupel, Newtown, PA; Lauren Mulholland, Aston, PA; Ashley Klemmer, Whitehall, PA; Kristen Konski, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Kransbluky, Lansdale, PA; Jennifer Laucella, Horsham, PA; Kate Lubenetski, Quakertown, PA; Melissa Martin, Schwenksville, PA; Andrea Piovane, Bensalem, PA; Alexandra Ruch, Horsham, PA; Noelle Tolbert, Harleysville, PA

Music & Motion Dance Productions will be performing their new dance work RED on July 25th at 7:00pm as part of the Concert In The Parks held at DeBarth Amphitheatre, Upper Gwynedd Township, Parkside Place (Rt. 63), in North Wales.

Music and Motion Dance’s new work RED, offers us an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

A single color, RED, becomes the defining point of a relationship, as one is caught up in whirlwind of seduction, passion, anger, romance and joy. Ultimately this color journey leads us to an empowering view of who we are and what is truly possible.

Artistic director Steven Weisz acknowledges, “Allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough to just put your feelings out there is what makes the creation of RED more difficult than previous dance works this group has created. Yet, the end results are something that touches all of us with a greater self-awareness.”

Music & Motion Dance has been a unique dance company from the start. It is neither a dance school nor a competition team. The dancers themselves come from all over the greater Philadelphia region. Comprised of youths ages 14-19, this group has come together from various backgrounds out of a love of dance and a desire to express themselves through performance. In fact, the dancers themselves have formed this non-profit company and input on every aspect of its operation - from marketing to production and from dance concept to choreography.

The development of RED has opened up a whole new dialog for the cast members of Music & Motion Dance, but they are quick to add that it has also provided a basis of discussion about relationships in a more open fashion with the audiences they serve.

What is remarkable is how insightful the entire group has become as a result of this production. “Relationships mean compromise” according to Andrea Piovane of Bensalem. But the group has learned so much more in this journey. As Kate Lubenetski of Quakertown explains, “Feeling comfortable about talking means feeling good about yourself. You need self-esteem to feel assertive. Be as true to yourself as you can. Respect your own thoughts and opinions and be honest about them. Your partner will love you for who you are. Pretending to be something you’re not won’t work in the long term.”

In their final piece, which focuses on resolve and self-fulfillment, the entire cast makes that message so very clear, as one can feel not only the inner strength they have developed, but also with it the grace, beauty and self-confidence they exude as a group.

Music & Motion Dance Productions is a non-profit corporation, which is both owned and operated by teens with mentoring from outside corporations and individuals. It is a group of pre-professional dancers ages fourteen thru twenty, who have expressed an interest in pursuing dance and the performing arts. Under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, this group’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression and community action. Music & Motion fulfills the need for providing young dancers with performing experience in a nurturing environment, while continually exciting audiences wherever they perform. The collaborative efforts of the entire company create a synergy rich in imagination, celebration and spirit.

2007 Cast Members are: Julie Ann D’Angelo, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Durham, Newfield, NJ; Stacey Folks, Pennsburg, PA; Grace Harman, Philadelphia, PA; Christina Heupel, Newtown, PA; Lauren Mulholland, Aston, PA; Ashley Klemmer, Whitehall, PA; Kristen Konski, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Kransbluky, Lansdale, PA; Jennifer Laucella, Horsham, PA; Kate Lubenetski, Quakertown, PA; Melissa Martin, Schwenksville, PA; Andrea Piovane, Bensalem, PA; Alexandra Ruch, Horsham, PA; Noelle Tolbert, Harleysville, PA

Additional Information:
http://www.Music-and-Motion.com

High Resolution Downloadable Photos:
http://www.music-and-motion.com/media.html#performance

Music & Motion Dance Productions will be performing their new dance work RED on July 11th at 7:30pm as part of the Delaware County Summer Festival held at Rose Tree Park Amphitheater in Upper Providence Township.

Music and Motion Dance’s new work RED, offers us an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

A single color, RED, becomes the defining point of a relationship, as one is caught up in whirlwind of seduction, passion, anger, romance and joy. Ultimately this color journey leads us to an empowering view of who we are and what is truly possible.

According to dancer, Andrea Piovane, “So much of being a teenager is about establishing friendships and relationships. And while there is a lot of advice out there, it can still be quite confusing at times. Relationships are not always easy to talk about, certainly not with parents and sometimes even with peers.”

Dancer Noelle Tolbert adds, “with this new dance work, fourteen young women have decided to express their feelings about relationships through dance and movement”. Artistic director, Steven Weisz acknowledges “allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough to just put your feelings out there is what makes the creation of RED more difficult than previous dance works this group has created, but the end results are something that touches all of us with a greater self-awareness.”

Music & Motion Dance Productions is a non-profit corporation, which is both owned and operated by teens with mentoring from outside corporations and individuals. It is a group of pre-professional dancers ages fourteen thru nineteen, who have expressed an interest in pursuing dance and the performing arts. Under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, this group’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression and community action.

To that end, Music & Motion performs locally and in surrounding communities throughout the year, as well as performances in a fully professional atmosphere presented for corporations, museums, gardens, and live arts related venues. Music & Motion fulfills the need for providing young dancers with performing experience in a nurturing environment, while continually exciting audiences wherever they perform. The collaborative efforts of the entire company create a synergy rich in imagination, celebration and spirit.

2007 Cast Members are: Julie Ann D’Angelo, Bristol, PA; Stacey Folks, Pennsburg, PA; Grace Harman, Philadelphia, PA; Christina Heupel, Newtown, PA; Lauren Mulholland, Aston, PA; Ashley Klemmer, Whitehall, PA; Kristen Konski, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Laucella, Horsham, PA; Kate Lubenetski, Quakertown, PA; Melissa Martin, Schwenksville, PA; Andrea Piovane, Bensalem, PA; Alexandra Ruch, Horsham, PA; Noelle Tolbert, Harleysville, PA

Additional Information:
http://www.Music-and-Motion.com

In celebration of the 15th Anniversary of Grounds For Sculpture, Music & Motion Dance will return for its third year to present a new work entitled RED on July 15, 2007 from 12 – 3pm throughout the grounds.

Set to premiere at the Philly Fringe & Live Arts Festival 2007 in September, visitors to the Grounds For Sculpture will have a chance to preview the new dance work, RED by Music & Motion Dance on Sunday, July 15th. Music & Motion will be offering selected excerpts, from 12pm – 3pm, at various locations throughout the 35-acre sculpture park, located at 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ. The performance is free to the public with admission to the grounds

Music and Motion Dance’s new work RED, offers us an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

A single color, RED, becomes the defining point of a relationship, as one is caught up in whirlwind of seduction, passion, anger, romance and joy. Ultimately this color journey leads us to an empowering view of who we are and what is truly possible.

Dance pieces have been carefully chosen to blend with both the contemporary sculptures offered and the beautifully landscaped grounds. This strolling program will offer guests a unique mixture of sounds, colors, textures and movement… creating a sense of place in astonishing and unforgettable ways.

As part of the 15th Anniversary celebration, the Grounds for Sculpture will be offering a Free Poster to every car (1 per car), a Free Guest Pass to the first 15 cars entering the park. (1 per car to be used on the next visit), 15% Discount at Rat’s Restaurant (for parties up to 13 – may not be combined with any other offer) and 15% Members Discount in the Museum Shop (may not be combined with any other offer).

Music & Motion Dance Productions is a non-profit corporation, which is both owned and operated by teens with mentoring from outside corporations and individuals. It is a group of pre-professional dancers ages fourteen thru nineteen, who have expressed an interest in pursuing dance and the performing arts. Under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, this group’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression and community action.

To that end, Music & Motion performs locally and in surrounding communities throughout the year, as well as performances in a fully professional atmosphere presented for corporations, museums, gardens, and live arts related venues. Music & Motion fulfills the need for providing young dancers with performing experience in a nurturing environment, while continually exciting audiences wherever they perform. The collaborative efforts of the entire company create a synergy rich in imagination, celebration and spirit.

2007 Cast Members are: Julie Ann D’Angelo, Bristol, PA; Stacey Folks, Pennsburg, PA; Grace Harman, Philadelphia, PA; Christina Heupel, Newtown, PA; Lauren Mulholland, Aston, PA; Ashley Klemmer, Whitehall, PA; Kristen Konski, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Laucella, Horsham, PA; Kate Lubenetski, Quakertown, PA; Melissa Martin, Schwenksville, PA; Andrea Piovane, Bensalem, PA; Alexandra Ruch, Horsham, PA; Noelle Tolbert, Harleysville, PA;

Additional Information:
http://www.Music-and-Motion.com

Grounds For Sculpture, a 35-acre sculpture park and museum, has captivated visitors since 1992, and has only gained in popularity as more of the public discovers its tranquil setting and engaging sculpture.

Indoor Exhibitions of emerging and well-known artists are shown throughout the year in two expansive, glass-walled buildings that were once exhibit halls for the New Jersey State Fair. Over 200 contemporary sculptures, from monumental to smaller scale, can be found on the beautifully landscaped grounds. Grounds For Sculpture also offers gardens, water features, an exciting restaurant—Rat’s, a Café, Museum Shop, Toad Hall Shop & Gallery, and a seasonally-open Gazebo Café for visitors. Special Events and educational programs are scheduled throughout the year offering music and entertainment, lectures, hands-on art activities, tours, and more.

For more information about the Grounds For Sculpture
http://www.groundsforsculpture.org

Part of this years week long Celebration of Freedom in Philadelphia, will be the youth dance group known as Music & Motion, performing at the Free Library of Philadelphia, 19th & Vine Streets on Saturday, June 30th at 2 pm. Admission is Free to the public.

Music and Motion Dance will be presenting their new work, RED, an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

Perhaps not your usual patriotic fair for the July 4th weekend, but this performance is definitely worth catching. The collaborative efforts of the entire company create a synergy rich in imagination, celebration and spirit.

Dancers combine a wide variety of styles from lyrical and jazz to hip hop and cultural dance, offering a bit of something for everyone. Fourteen, female dancers from all different backgrounds will take to the stage for this celebration, showing us what can be possible through creative collaboration, self-expression and a strong sense of community.

This year’s performance has also taken on a special meaning for the entire company. When at the start of 2006 they decided to create a new dance work entitled RED, the group had no idea that the “red concept” was to become a symbol for the launch of (PRODUCT) Red™ Campaign to support The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. RED became not only a dance work but also a choice for the company – a choice to do something to help others. So throughout the year Music and Motion will be donating a part proceeds from performances and encouraging others to give to the Global Fund.

2007 Cast Members are: Julie Ann D’Angelo, Bristol, PA; Stacey Folks, Pennsburg, PA; Grace Harman, Philadelphia, PA; Christina Heupel, Newtown, PA; Lauren Mulholland, Aston, PA; Ashley Klemmer, Whitehall, PA; Kristen Konski, Bristol, PA; Jennifer Laucella, Horsham, PA; Kate Lubenetski, Quakertown, PA; Melissa Martin, Schwenksville, PA; Andrea Piovane, Bensalem, PA; Alexandra Ruch, Horsham, PA; Noelle Tolbert, Harleysville, PA; Maria-Teresa Grinneby, Vocalist, Newtown, PA

When Music & Motion decided back at the start of 2006 to create a new dance work entitled RED, we had no idea that the “red concept” was to become a symbol for the launch of Bono’s (PRODUCT) Red™ Campaign to support The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The Global Fund is an innovative partnership of governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, working together to rid the world of AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. Its sole purpose is to raise funds and make grants to countries, organizations and communities that urgently need financial help to allow them to respond to these epidemics. The Global Fund continues to fund grants dependent upon proven results and targets achieved.

As we began the work on RED to premiere in late Spring of 2007, our knowledge and awareness of this world need has also progressed. RED became not only a dance work but also a choice. A choice to do something to help others. So as a dance company we have made a choice to donate a part of our proceeds from performances to the Global Fund. We have also decided to encourage and promote the purchase of (PRODUCT) Red™ through our web campaigns.

You can also help. Become informed. Learn more about RED.
Visit www.joinred.com

So much of being a teenager is about establishing friendships and relationships. While there is lots of advice out there from parents, peers, self-help books and web sites, it can still be quite confusing at times. Relationships are not always easy to talk about, certainly not with parents and sometimes even with peers.

However, one group of fourteen young women has decided to express their feelings about relationships through dance. The members of Music & Motion Dance, a youth group of pre-professional dancers, have collaborated on a new dance work entitled RED. They have used the color red as a defining point for relationships, taking the audience through a journey that involves seduction, passion, anger, romance and joy. Ultimately this color journey leads one to an empowering view of who we are and what is truly possible. RED offers us an intimate look at relationships through the medium of movement, luscious visual imagery, differing human temperaments and undeniable beauty of self-discovery.

Artistic director Steven Weisz acknowledges, “Allowing oneself to be vulnerable enough to just put your feelings out there is what makes the creation of RED more difficult than previous dance works this group has created. Yet, the end results are something that touches all of us with a greater self-awareness.”

Music & Motion Dance has been a unique dance company from the start. It is neither a dance school nor a competition team. The dancers themselves come from all over the greater Philadelphia region. Comprised of youths ages 14-19, this group has come together from various backgrounds out of a love of dance and a desire to express themselves through performance. In fact, the dancers themselves have formed this non-profit company and input on every aspect of its operation - from marketing to production and from dance concept to choreography.

The development of RED has opened up a whole new dialogue for the cast members of Music & Motion Dance, but they are quick to add that it has also provided a basis of discussion about relationships in a more open fashion with the audiences they serve.

The opening of RED involves three dance pieces that examines flirtation and infatuation. Dancer Kristen Konski explains, “You know when you like someone. Your heart beats faster, your stomach seems to sink and you struggle for words every time you see them. It’s awkward at times but it’s also exciting.”

As the new dance work progresses, infatuation turns to love. Alex, one of the company’s newer members adds, “For a while, this new love occupies all your time, then the obsession settles. With infatuation gone, you start to see the other person as they really are – both their positive and negative aspects. You accept them for who they are unconditionally and want to support and help them. A crush may lead to love, but not always. And sometimes you find yourself falling in love with someone you didn’t even find attractive the first time you met.”

As many a member of this group has discovered, what they thought was love is not always lasting. And even for such a young group, many have experienced break ups and the emotions that go with it. Senior dancer, Noelle Tolbert adds, “the end of a relationship can leave you feeling miserable, even if you were the one doing the dumping.” Together with Andrea Piovane, they created a duet called Lament, which depicts those feelings so clearly that it tends to bring onlookers to tears.

What is remarkable is how insightful the entire group has become as a result of this production. “Relationships mean compromise” according to Andrea. But the group has learned so much more in this journey. As Kate Lubenetski explains, “Feeling comfortable about talking means feeling good about yourself. You need self-esteem to feel assertive. Be as true to yourself as you can. Respect your own thoughts and opinions and be honest about them. Your partner will love you for who you are. Pretending to be something you’re not won’t work in the long term.”

In their final piece, which focuses on resolve and self-fulfillment, the entire cast makes that message so very clear, as one can feel not only the inner strength they have developed, but also with it the grace, beauty and self-confidence they exude as a group.

Be sure to look for their upcoming performances of RED in late Spring of 2007 in the Greater Philadelphia region. You can find out more information about this group and their schedule at www.music-and-motion.com.