On the Fringe of a young performer's aspirations

Maria-Teresa Grinneby of Bucks County Pennsylvania and current Miss Pennsylvania Teen is headed to the Philadelphia Fringe Festival with Music & Motion Dance Company for the premiere performance of Illuminescence.

(PRWEB) August 7, 2004 -- When Maria-Teresa Grinneby was 6-years-old, she joined a Poet's Society, comprised of all adults. Standing under four feet tall with hair that went all the way down her back, she wasn't daunted, lugging an orange milk crate up to the podium so she could reach it to read her then idea of poetry.

Ten years later, and still a dynamic and high-spirited girl, it is no wonder that Marias dreams and aspirations, mixed with a passion and determination all her own, have brought forth a very gifted singer, lyricist, poet, and dancer. The 16-year-old from Newtown, PA, whose laundry list of accomplishments include a recent crowning as Miss Pennsylvania Teen, is currently writing lyrics for the premiere of a new dance work by Music & Motion Dance Productions entitled Illuminscence". The dance company, in which Maria is a cast member, is run under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz. They will debut their performance at the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe next month.

Maria, along with the other members of Music & Motion came together thru area Teen Board Programs at Oxford Valley, Montgomery and Springfield Malls. Steven Weisz coordinates the teen programs, in addition to directing Music & Motion. The show itself, Illuminescence", is a collaborative effort of this determined and dynamic group of teens. The theme is a provocative blend of light, illusion and dance sure to be visually compelling and memorable.

The whole dance company is an incredible blend of talent. Maria offers a unique edge with her singing and writing abilities. The dance company inspires her, and in turn her work lends itself to even greater vision and creativity from the dancers," says Steven Weisz.

Maria describes her role as both "challenging and exciting" in helping to add to the group dynamics, and ultimately performing at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.

My main lyrical focus right now is on a vignette which is scheduled between two dance pieces, which also happens to be a vocal solo for me," states Maria. I really like the music for this song and the lyrics focus on light in nature. I had a lot of fun playing around with this song, as it has a touch of country to it, yet it carries the techno-feel the other numbers in Illuminescence have," she says.

And while Maria need not be worried about having a milk crate handy next month, the chance to perform at such a level as the Philly Fringe leaves her just the slightest bit nervous. I love being on stage and performing, but know that the adrenaline rush from performing at the Fringe with other incredible artists and performers will be - for lack of better words -- like, WOW!"

You can catch the vocal talents of Maria at the Music & Motion Production of Illuminescence on September 7th, 8th and 14th at the International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Tickets are $15 with a discount for students and seniors. For tickets and information about the Philadelphia Fringe Festival call 215-413-1318 or visit their web site at www.pafringe.org To learn more about Music & Motion Dance Productions and their upcoming performance, go to www.music-and-motion.com

This new dance production, under the artistic direction of Steven Weisz, features light sculptures by famed Philadelphia Artist, Peanut Butter / Robert Woodward. Separate vignettes will follow by photo-humorist FLASH Rosenberg in collaboration with music-extruder/brother Ken Rosenberg.

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