Minds In Motion Team XXL Performs in Roanoke for Fourth Year

On Thursday, 32 students from Martinsville and Henry County's Minds In Motion Team XXL performed alongside 300 fourth-graders from Roanoke City Public Schools at the Roanoke Performing Art Theatre. This marks the fourth year that local Minds In Motion students have joined students from Roanoke schools in a performance celebrating the culmination of the Star City's Minds in Motion season. This year's performance, themed "Dancing for a Brand New Bay," focused on the Chesapeake Bay.

Minds In Motion, which is presented locally by Piedmont Arts, is a year-long program created by the Richmond Ballet that teaches fourth-grade students discipline, dedication and self-awareness through movement and dance. Minds In Motion Team XXL is made up of fifth through eighth grade students who have participated in the program since fourth grade. The group performers for area civic groups, serving as the ambassadors for the Minds In Motion program. Team XXL includes students from Patrick Henry Elementary, Albert Harris Elementary, Mt. Olivet Elementary, Sanville Elementary, Laurel Park Elementary, Martinsville Middle School and Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School.

Minds In Motion is taught by Richmond Ballet instructors Pedro Szalay and Rebecca Weger. Pianist Beth Chapman accompanies students during classes and performances.

On Thursday, April 14, 2011, the community is invited to join Piedmont Arts, Richmond Ballet and this year's Minds In Motion partners, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Dan River Basin Association as 300 Minds In Motion dancers from area schools take part in a free public performance at Martinsville High School at 7 pm. The program, also themed "Dancing for a Brand New Bay," will feature dances that stretch across the miles connecting waterways like the Chesapeake Bay to Martinsville's own Dan River Basin. Admission is free. Visit www.piedmontarts.org for more details.