MM2 Modern Dance Company brings to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, on Sunday, August 21st, 2011 at 1:00pm, a Philly Fringe, sneak preview of their new dance work, ONE WORD. The performance will be rain or shine and is free with park admission.
In creating this new work, each of the nine company members has choreographed pieces based on a single word. Artistic Director, Steven Weisz goes on to explain, “From the very beginning, when the first words were uttered, the ability to communicate has played a critical role in our world. Whether within our own thoughts, spoken or written, words have the power to transform the world we live in. Love, laughter, heroism, friendship, and virtually every emotion we feel as human beings can be inspired by words. “
Dancer and choreographer, Jessica Bryan adds “each member of the company, having selected their word is then set with the task of translating it in to movement. The word not only provides a framework for the choreographer but for the audience as well.”
Company member, Kaylee Goodwin elaborates, “For each of us, the word we have chosen has personal significance and meaning in our own lives. In essence, we are sharing our own stories with the audience. It is difficult to do, but putting yourself out there makes for a stronger connection that we all share.”
MM2 dancers, comprised mostly of dance majors and recent college graduates, are encouraged and given the opportunity to explore the choreographic process. By offering a sneak preview of both finished pieces and works in progress, the dancers/choreographers of MM2 get the opportunity to expose new pieces to an audience for the first time and to receive feedback in post-performance discussions from the audience to take with them as they continue on in their creative process. The final production of One Word will be presented on September 10th at the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe.
This season’s dancers/choreographers are: Jessica Bryan, Katleyn Capato, Jenna Faye Eugenides, Heather Fleischman, Kaylee Goodwin, Shara Harad, Stephanie King and Brianne Scott with a Special Guest appearance by Michael Nguyen. Original music composed by Daniel Ison. MM2 Modern Dance Company is under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz.
Grounds For Sculpture, located in Hamilton, New Jersey (midway between Philadelphia and New York), is a thirty-five acre sculpture garden and arboretum on the former site of the New Jersey State Fairgrounds. Founded by Seward Johnson to promote an understanding of and appreciation for contemporary sculpture, the park has been enchanting visitors since 1992. Grounds For Sculpture features more than 270 contemporary sculptures, and two 10,000 square foot museum galleries with rotating exhibits. In addition, the park offers workshops for children and adults, concerts, performances, fairs, shopping and fine dining at the Zagat’s-rated Rat’s Restaurant. Visit www.groundsforsculpture.org for more information.
QUICK FACTS
Show: ONE WORD
Company: MM2 Modern Dance Company
Event: Philly Fringe Sneak Preview at Grounds for Sculpture
Date: Sunday, August 21st, 2011
Times: 1:00 pm – one show only
Venue: Grounds For Sculpture, 18 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619 | Tel. (609) 586-0616
Tickets: Performance is free with admissions to the Grounds.