Philadelphia Fringe - Young artists find common ground in dance

A group of teenagers from three Philadelphia area counties find common ground through dance and are now headed for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in September 2004.

Philadelphia, PA July 29, 2004 -- While most teenagers would be content to spend their free time soaking up the sun or spending a lazy summer free from school, a particularly exceptional group of young adults have come together out of a love of dance and the performing arts to establish their own dance company, Music & Motion Dance Productions.

In September, Music & Motion dance members, having spent countless hours rehearsing and preparing both mentally and physically, will get the opportunity to showcase their talents before the public at The Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe.

Under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, who coordinates area Teen Board programs, the group will premiere a new dance work called Illuminescence. They are also getting help from Philadelphia artist/sculptor Robert Woodward, also known as Peanutbutter, who is designing a custom light sculpture, a central element in this performance piece.

The teens are from a community of over three regional counties, forming Music & Motion out of the Teen Board programs at Montgomery, Springfield and Oxford Valley Malls. This alone could be a challenge for any teenager, as these young artists have had to collaborate, cooperate, and share unique ideas, many not even having met before.

Mandy Hartzell, a senior dancer with Music & Motion, spoke positively about this issue. What is unique about our group is that we can demonstrate our creativity and positive contributions freely, while also learning to work together as a team. That can be a pretty challenging at times, but has proved to be a positive thing for us so far.

The group consists of thirteen young men and women, ranging in age from 14 to 19. They have been rehearsing regularly for the past several months, sometimes even working diligently on the side at a group members house, when they could easily be catching the latest summer hit at the box office or sleeping in late. All of the groups members have contributed with ideas on choreography, costuming, and in Maria Grinnebys case, lyrics and vocals.

Its been exciting to have been able to write lyrics for one of the groups dance pieces. Having to set lyrics not only to music but dance movement added a whole new dimension for me, says Maria of Newtown, PA.

The groups creativity and self-expression is rather astounding to watch, says Steven Weisz, founder and artistic director of Music & Motion. Its easy to see that this effort has offered them and avenue for growth in so many ways.

With a little more than six weeks to go before the groups debut at the Philly Fringe, one can sense the energy and anticipation from these young artists.

Noelle Tolbert of Harleysville, PA commented on how she is thrilled but a bit nervous in performing in a program of this caliber. I know well all give an awesome performance, she added.

The work and dedication in our group has kept us focused on the Fringe, states Maddie Breslin of Yardley, PA. I think theres a noticeable sense of anticipation, but in a positive way that will lend itself to a knockout performance.

You can catch the Music & Motion Production of Illuminescence on September 7th, 8th and 14th at the International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Tickets are $15 with a discount for students and seniors. For tickets and information about the Philadelphia Fringe Festival call 215-413-1318 or visit their web site at www.pafringe.org To learn more about Music & Motion Dance Productions and their upcoming performances, go to www.music-and-motion.com

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