Submitted by Barry Englert
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So what happens if you put a group of dance students (and in some cases former dance students), ranging in age from 14 to 21, with varying skill levels, styles of dance, backgrounds and experiential levels, in a dance studio, take away all the rules and tell them to create movement?
Well that is exactly what Steven Weisz, Artistic Director of Music & Motion Dance has been doing for the past nine years. Where one would expect total chaos to rule, he has created an atmosphere, where these youth dancers can truly discover and express themselves. For many, who have either dropped out of dance programs or who have lost their spark from rigorous, highly disciplined, training programs, these massive play and movement sessions have re-kindled their love of dance and the joy of creating movement.
In observing this group perform, one is struck by a sense of “organic intelligence” that has evolved between them. Weisz goes on to explain, “the dancers are a very close knit family, who have come together to simply create, enjoy dance and more importantly each other’s company.”
Early in the stages of creating their new dance work, the 9 muses, they were followed and captured on film by photographer, Craig Rothfuss. He not only caught the process on film, but described the process the best – “These dancers are choreographing the program themselves with minimal guidance from Mr. Weisz, and it’s a fascinating process to observe. I continue to be impressed by the spirit of confidence and cooperation that these young ladies share together. To date, I’ve not seen an argument nor a moment of emotional friction to shoot – frustrating, indeed! … I’ll have to settle for grace and beauty instead. There’s plenty of both at these rehearsals.”
Weisz also selects a variety of both unusual as well as professional venues for his group to perform at throughout the year. “I try to select as many museums, gardens and sculpture parks as possible, as I feel such environments further creativity by our group.” For the past six years, this group has found inspiration at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ. So much so, that this years work draws its name from a sculpture piece located there by artist, Carlos Dorrien – the 9 muses.
So for the group’s fifth year at the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe, each company member, drawing from their own muses, created new choreography, individually and as part of a group process, seeking to answer the question – What inspires you?
The group has spent the Summer honing their performance, while on tour in Virginia, as well as locally in our region. In a sneak preview at First Person Arts Salon, one audience member summed it up best, “The evening was a delightful journey in learning to just appreciate dance – no special knowledge was needed, one did not have to scan the program to figure what the piece was about, it was simply movement that came from the heart. What more can one ask for?”
You can catch Music & Motion Dance this Saturday, September 5th at the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival & Philly Fringe with shows at 1:30, 3:30 and 7:30pm. Performances will take place in South Philadelphia at FilmTech, 2019 S. Juniper Street. Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for students. For tickets and information visit their web site at www.music-and-motion.com
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