Current Repertory

Bubble Wrapped
modern dance with a pop
coming in 2010
| Bubble Wrap Blog | Performances | Press | Philly Fringe |

Bubble Wrap is a pliable transparent plastic material commonly used for packing fragile items. Regularly spaced, protruding air-filled hemispheres ("bubbles") provide cushioning for precious or breakable items. The bubbles that provide the cushioning for fragile or sensitive objects are generally available in different sizes, depending on the size of the object being packed, as well as the level of cushioning protection that is needed. Multiple layers might be needed to provide shock and vibration isolation. A single layer might be used as a surface protective layer. Since bubble wrap makes a recognizable "popping" sound when compressed and punctured, it can be used as a source of amusement and to alleviate stress. If you have ever received a gift that came in bubble wrap, you may have discovered that it was even better than the gift itself?

With Bubble Wrapped, Music & Motion Dance explores textures, layers, sounds and light through a series of modern dance pieces that incorporate this unique, poptastic material. Bubble wrap is used to extend the use of space, create new sounds and rhythms, contrast the natural form against that of man-made plastic, bend light and shadow in new ways and challenge all of our senses.

Ultimately it is the essence of play. Quite frankly, it is addictive!
See for yourself with a bit of virtual bubble wrap, Click Here
   

the 9 muses
(Premiere 2009)
| the 9 muses blog | Behind The Scenes | Virginia Tour | Photos |

What inspires you? In ancient Greece there were nine muses ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects. For dancers it is a sacred space, where you can find yourself again and again. A place where one can retreat, nourish the muse and ultimately find oneself. It is a playground that has the power to transport us and help us to resuscitate our imagination. Or in the words of Carl Jung "what you have to do, you do with play". Come share our muses and take a flight of your own imagination.
Continents
A Global Voyage
(Premiere 2008)
| Continents Blog | Photos |

Continents is a multi-textured celebration of rhythm, that is both subtle and complex, yet primal as a heartbeat. Music & Motion literally takes its audiences on a journey of exotic lands around the world, with an exploration of movement from the sun-drenched African mesa; blends of eastern and western traditions in Turkey; the tabala beats of India; modern twists on the original Japanese Jomon culture; Euro-Mediterranean, ethno-techno blends; and rhythmic fusions of Tokelau, Tuvalu and Samoan cultures. This world fusion experiment acts as a catalyst for the exploration of movement and ideas that reflect our ever-changing global presence, from the historical to contemporary and the traditional to the eclectic. Continents communicates to its audiences on multiple dimensions, leading us on self-consciously inward journey in the seeking of a universal ideal.
     

RED
(Premiere 2007)
| The Red Blog | Photos |

Your eye is caught by a single color, RED. It is inescapable and compelling as senses are triggered and emotions aroused. When this color becomes the defining point of a relationship, 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 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.
     

To A Different Beat
World Beats to End World Hunger
(Premiere 2006)
| Canada Tour '06 | Photos |

The beat is the connection between rhythm and dance. It is a celebration of energy, strength, individuality, spirituality, creativity, colorfulness and expression. The beat is also unifying - a cultural fusion that brings us together. This new dance work, set to premiere in late Spring of 2006, is a series of pieces set to beats from around the world, the focus of which is on communication through the language of the drum and the the rhythms of our bodies.

In keeping with our primary goal of "dance and the arts making a difference", this production will also focus awareness and fundraising on the issue of hunger both here in the United States as well as throughout the world. We hope you will join us--dancers, fans, volunteers, teachers, youth and students, nonprofits, media--as we dance together and unite to beat hunger, poverty, despair, and other global challenges as one.  More information ...  www.danceforsocialchange.com

Elements 
(Premiere 2005)
| Photos |

Premiered at the Philly Fringe & Live Arts Festival in September 2005, "Elements" was a new dance work that explored the four elements of antiquity - earth, water, air and fire. A dazzling abstract piece, "Elements" featured striking choreography in a kaleidoscope of movement and creativity drawn from these ancient elements. Each element was portrayed with a mixture of dance styles ranging from classical ballet to modern, lyrical, hip-hop, gymnastics and acrobatic dance. "Elements" – an artistic vision joining together the roots of our planet, of our spirits and of each other.
Illuminescence              
(Premiere 2004, Revival 2005)
| Photos |

This new dance work was a hit with its recent debut at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival in September of 2004. Light becomes the foundational element through which all movement arises. and coalesce. This original dance performance is a lush fusion of colors, emerging to create an array of visual illusions while set to a mix of world electronica.
Red, Hot & Cool
(Premiere 2001, Revival 2006)
Combine the best of jazz and smokin hot rhythms with Music & Motion dance and you have a hit production. This is a fun-filled journey through the history of jazz from its African roots, through the 1920's, to the popular social dances of today. The program features everything from classic era jazz to Hip Hop.
PRIMAL!
(Premiere 2000)
| Photos |

Primal rhythms bring back the spirit of nature. This production is a journey through dance and music from the outback of Australia to the Amazon and tropical rain forests of South America. Hypnotic, pulsating and vibrant, these pieces bring out the rhythms within all of us! This performance made its debut as a commissioned piece for the Philadelphia Zoo in 2000, and has been expanded in its scope as it has become an audience favorite.
Halloween Spooktacular
(Premiere 2000, Revival 2002, 2003,2005)
| Photos |

This has been the smash hit of the Halloween season! Music & Motion in collaboration with Magician, Michael Bonacci provides one of the best family experiences there is for Halloween. Utilizing jazz and improvisational dance, choreography has been set to a selection of Halloween music favorites like Monster Mash, Ghostbusters, Thriller and the Werewolves of London. All of this is interspersed with incredible illusions and skillful sleight of hand. Add a touch of theatrics, special costuming, lighting, and special effects and you have a complete show package that cannot be beat!

Comissioned Dance Works
Looking to kick off a charity gala? Or a grand opening? Or perhaps looking for an innovatiove way to launch a new product or enhance a sales meeting? Music & Motion Dance Productions offers completely self-contained and custom dance pieces to present your product or services or as an introductory piece to provide accompaniment for speeches or ceremonies. Give us just about any theme or product and we will create a unique and memorable dance piece for your event.

Commissioned Works:
2007 - Haroki,Series of five new pieces for opening of Degas and the Art of Japan, Reading Museum
2004 - Futura, Franklin Institute Gala
2000 - Primal, Philadelphia Zoo opening of Australia exhibit