Movement E‑Motion enters third year; classes start soon

ANTHEM/CAVE CREEK – AZDance Group has received renewed support from the Molly Lawson Foundation and the Arizona Community Foundation to continue its dance program for individuals with limited mental and physical capabilities.

Movement E‑Motion is entering its third year, with semester one starting Sept. 20 in Anthem and Sept. 26 in Cave Creek. Other possible class locations are being considered in Chandler and north Phoenix for October start‑up dates.

The MEM dance program consists of technique classes which include learning and executing technical forms, stretch and strengthening exercises, across‑the‑floor combinations to increase mobility, coordination and stamina and choreographed routines in all dance styles.

Also included in this program are performing opportunities and backstage/theatrical traditions that normally are not experienced. Increased socialization, interaction /integration and higher self‑esteem are evident with participants while partaking in this program, dance director Kenda Newbury said.

MEM classes are normally one hour a week at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy in Anthem and Desert Foothills Dance in Cave Creek.

All classes are taught by the dance professionals of AZDance Group, led by  Newbury, with at least one demonstrator assisting, usually a junior/trainee member of the company.

MEM already has a busy performance schedule the first part of its semester.

The dancers have been invited to perform at the Arizona Department of Education’s Transitions Conference  Sept. 17.

The group, along with AZDance Group’s Junior/Trainee and Children’s companies will  perform Christmas in October at the New River Senior Center on Oct. 20 and at the Black Canyon City Arts/Crafts Veterans’ Festival on Nov. 10.

MEM is highlighted, along with the professional dancers of AZDance Group during the Christmas Dance Concert on Dec. 8 and 9 at Boulder Creek High School Performing Art Center in Anthem.

Further support of the Movement E‑Motion dance program comes from the Rotary Club of Anthem, Dollyrockers, Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, Our Kitchen to Yours, Desert Foothills Dance Studio, Performance Architects LLC, Its U Photo and many friends and volunteers of AZDance Group. Community members interested in volunteering may contact the director.

AZDance Group is a member of the Arizona Dance Coalition, Alliance for Audiences  and the Arts Council of the North Valley and was recently nominated for the Best Art Organization of the Year by the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix.

AZDance Group is a professional, nonprofit 501c(3) ballet, jazz and modern dance company whose mission is to service the community by creating and producing professional dance performances of the highest quality, to nurture its artists and audiences and to contribute to the arts education of that community.

For information visit azdance.org or call (480) 215‑1916.