AZDance Group
AZDance offers classes. AZDance's "Movement E-Motion" dance program classes are held Wednesdays. Registration is required as is a placement class. The company also holds company warmups and some are open to the public. Also members and the director give private and semi-private classes. Contact the director for specifics.
AZDance Group is a non-profit 501c(3) organization.
AZDANCE GROUP ...
We believe that the arts is an essential part of any thriving community. We believe that arts lift the spirit and raise the collective consciousness of all citizens. We believe our artists and audiences should be entertained and educated in and about the performing arts - our creations, artists and productions meet these criteria.
We collaborate with artists and other artistic organizations in an effort to facilitate mutual support, recognition, and the exchanging of ideas. We work to encourage a thriving community of artists and appreciation of art within the communities we serve.
We utilize professional dancers and their experiences in order to fully develop our dance members/programs. We open our doors to upcoming and seasoned choreographers.
We facilitate classes, open rehearsals and performances in an effort to enrich and educate the lives of all citizens.
AZDance Group strives to unleash the artistic potential of every member within the company.
AZDance Group began as a desire to fill a 'gap' in the state. The director, Kenda Newbury, wanted to continue working with professional dancers, showcasing contemporary works fusing the various techniques. A quartet was assembled which presented both inspirational and entertaining movement and dance works in churches and at retreats and for benefits, memorials, intimate concert performances and special occasions.
Kenda realized that there was a thriving need for professional dancers dedicated to their art form to continue performing; an outlet. and a need to train young dancers and continue her work, giving back to communities. The company grew in numbers, thus the outreach programs developed. Budding artists and children were gaining performance experiences and clean, proper training in a positive yet challenging environment..
In 2005, Ms. Newbury created and implemented a dance program, Movement E-Motion, for individuals with different abililiites which provides physical activity, movement, expression and dance to young adults with Down Syndrome and/or Autism and those with Physical Challenges. This was accomplished by the company becoming a non-profit 501c(3) organization and by receiving a grant from the Molly Lawson Foundation through the Arizona Community Foundation. Ms. Newbury believed that an organization such as the AZDance Group would improve the quality of life for every citizen that came in contact with the company.
Kenda Newbury created a small volunteer family board to establish AZDance Group in order to maintain the high-standards and the likeness of the company throughout its growing years. Within the season, AZDance Group produced seven successful full-scale performances, received state and national grants and had over 40 people of all ages and ethnicity working both on stage and behind the scenes. Our volunteers have given over 23,000 hours with the company reaching approximately 7,500-11,000 people per season.
Going into the 2010-2011 Season, AZDance has 12 regular professional performers, a roster of over 10 guest artists from Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New York and Nevada and 10 Movement E-Motion (MEM) participants.
Fundraising and generous contributions from citizens, businesses, and city
grants, are instrumental in allowing AZDance Group to continue to create and produce productions. The company is hoping to find a "home" building so that they can conduct rehearsals, master classes, regular company classes for all programs and open up their doors to other organizational needs which promote and produce high-quality art. AZDance Group and its board of directors want to unlock the artistic potential in their communities.
AZDance Group is always looking for new volunteers, new audience members and new Movement E-Motion participants. Visit our Contact Us page if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity.
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