the 9 muses
Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 2PM
Music & Motion Dance from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be bringing their new dance work – the 9 muses to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, 6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday, July 12th at 2:00 pm as part of their week long tour of the Virginia area. The performance is free with admission to the garden and will take place on the terrace behind the Visitor Center.
For the creation of the 9 muses, each of the company’s members of this pre-professional, youth based group, were asked to create choreography, both as individuals and as a group, based on what personally inspires them.
The concept was developed as a result of this group’s history of performing at outdoor sculpture parks, public gardens and museums. The program derives it name and from a life size sculpture piece, the 9 muses, by artist Carlos Dorrien, that the group has literally danced on as part of their public performances for the past five years.
All totaled, a series of eighteen new dance pieces will be presented. According to dancer, Andrea Piovane, “muses have the potential to inspire, motivate, uplift, create solace, fill us with joy and allow us to reveal ourselves in new and undiscovered ways. What they ultimately do is allow us to create and in our case - to dance!”
In ancient Greece, the nine muses ruled over the arts and sciences and offered inspiration in those subjects. But 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. Company member Stacey Folks adds “There is no better setting than at the Botanical Garden, with their new butterfly exhibit, Flutter Fantasy; share in our muses and take a flight of your own imagination.”
Founded in 2000, under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, Music & Motion is a fresh, innovative, performance-
Music & Motion's mission is to empower youth through dance, movement and the performing arts, ultimately building self-esteem and inspiring creative self-expression and community action and interaction.
Music & Motion Dance has performed throughout the United States and even internationally to a range of audiences in its short yet diverse history. With a deep commitment to group collaboration and exposing new audiences to dance and the performing arts, the company has won both critical acclaim as well as many new fans.
About Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden represents an oasis of over 30 theme gardens encompassing 155 beautiful acres. From signature plant collections to WOW- World of Wonders: A Children’s Adventure Garden, this diverse natural beauty can be explored by tram, boat or walking tours.
Norfolk Botanical Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums, is recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
