MANNA  (Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance) celebrates the 18th annual performance of Shut Up & Dance, a one-night-only benefit presented by dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet and sponsored by Toppers Spa Salon, featuring original works choreographed and performed by the dancers. Hosted by WXPN Morning Host Michaela Majoun, the performance will be held at The Forrest Theatre located at 1114 Walnut Street on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Each Shut Up & Dance ticket purchased will provide more than 20 meals to a MANNA client coping with a life-threatening illness such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes and renal disease.

Don’t miss this original, spirited, funky performance and the exclusive parties held before and after the performance. Tickets for the Shut Up & Dance performance are available for $35, $75 or $100.  The Pre-Party at The Forrest Theatre begins at 6:00 p.m. and features a lavish cocktail party with delicious food and drink. Patrons who select the pre-party option will also receive a premium seat ticket at $200 per person.  All ticket holders are invited to join the dancers for the After-Party at Voyeur Night Club, featuring DJ Robert Drake (WXPN/Sex Dwarf), at 1221 Saint James Street immediately following the show. Admittance to the after-party is free to Shut Up & Dance attendees with ticket stub. Tickets go on sale February 1, 2010 and can be purchased at www.mannapa.org/sud or by calling 215-496-2662 x138.

In 1993, dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet were wondering what they could do to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. They realized the best thing they could do was “Shut Up & Dance.” Every year since, the dancers have partnered with MANNA in presenting this one-night-only performance. The dancers choreograph and rehearse each piece entirely in their spare time in what is truly a labor of love for the community. “For 18 years, dancers of Pennsylvania Ballet have poured their heart and soul into this one-night-only performance,” said Richard Keaveney, CEO of MANNA. “Through this labor of love, MANNA clients receive the nourishment, care and counsel they need to improve their health and quality of life. I encourage everyone to attend the performance on March 20 and be a part of something truly special.”

Shut Up & Dance will delight the audience with original, creative performances. Choreographers scheduled for this year’s performance include Pennsylvania Ballet company members Adrianna deSvastich, Sarah Hay, Jermel Johnson, Nicholas Sipes, Francis Veyette and Ian Hussey. Members of Pennsylvania Ballet 2 scheduled to choreograph are Eric Trope and Alex Ratcliffe-Lee, along with former Pennsylvania Ballet dancer Alyson Pray. “Shut Up & Dance is truly a unique night for Philadelphia. One of the best nights of dance and entertainment all year, for one of the best causes in the city,” said Shut Up & Dance Producing Director Jonathan Stiles.

Dancers of Shut Up & Dance 2010:
Rebecca Azenberg
Edward Barnes
Lara Clemens
Daniel Cooper
Caralin Curcio
Lillian Di Piazza
Lauren Fadeley
Molly Flippen
Tyler Galster
Sarah Hay
Jermel Johnson
Rachel Maher
Elizabeth Mateer
Abigail Mentzer
Brooke Moore
Alyson Pray
Alex Ratcliffe-Lee
Ryoko Sadoshima
Tyler Savoie
Nicholas Sipes
Kaia Tack
Francis Veyette
Amir Yogev

*As of 2/1/10

The Shut Up & Dance 2010 Virtuoso Presenting Sponsor is Toppers Spa Salon, with media support from WXPN, and the generous support and cooperation of Pennsylvania Ballet.

ABOUT MANNA
Especially for people at acute nutritional risk due to life-threatening illness, MANNA prepares and delivers delicious nourishing meals and counsel, empowering individuals to battle illness and improve their quality of life. A small professional staff and 1,500 dedicated volunteers bring more than 70,000 nutritious, home-delivered meals each month to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other life-threatening illness. MANNA dietitians promote wellness through nutrition education and counseling. Through these services, MANNA provides opportunities for caring people to extend loving support to families, friends, and neighbors. For more information about MANNA, visit www.mannapa.org or call 215-496-2662.