SYNERGIA NORTHWEST PARTNERS ON STG'S "DANCE This"

With performances scheduled July 8 and 9 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, Washington, Synergia Northwest Orchestra Musicians http://www.synergianorthwest.com/ will invoke the spirit of Leonard Bernstein during DANCE This.


This year STG'S 13th Annual DANCE This features music from West Side Story and invited musician and Synergia Northwest Producer and Musical Director Michael McMorrow to act as Musical Director for Broadway Choreographer Joey McKneely from West Side Story, who set the Jerome Robbins dances on young auditioned dancers. McKneely studied under Jerome Robbins http://www.broadwaysd.com/blog/?p=1305 and reproduced and rejuvenated the choreography for the Tony Award Winning Broadway revival that opened in 2009 . McKneely also directed several major productions of West Side Story around the world.  Synergia Northwest Orchestra Director Bret Smith will conduct. 


"Witnessing Joey teach and inspire these young dancers has been a fantastic experience." said McMorrow.  "These students of dance auditioned for the chance to work with Joey and other terrific professionals in a real life atmosphere. The perfomance will be a highlight of the evening."


In keeping with the true spirit of Synergia Northwest, the 18 piece pit orchestra includes professional and top student musicians including players from Ingraham High School in Seattle.


"DANCE This and Synergia Northwest have very similar mission's; giving youth performers opportunities to excel and grow beyond classrooms and studios." explains McMorrow  "This is life changing stuff. Don't be surprised if you see future collaborations between Synergia Northwest and DANCE This."

Joey McKneely and the West Side Story National Broadway Tour will be here in Seattle at the Paramount in January.


Synergia Northwest blends classical, contemporary, professional and student musicians into one concert, unifying cultures, ages and musical genres, raising funds to provide extended learning, enrichment and performance opportunities to Northwest area students who would not have the necessary financial resources.

The first Synergia Northwest concert launched in 2010 at Tacoma's historic Temple Ballroom in the Landmark Convention Center. And this year made its Seattle debut at The Moore Theater featuring such artist as Alan White, Queensryche, Heart By Heart, Special guest appearances by Geoffrey Castle, Original members of HEART, Blues Traveler's John Popper and Brendan Hill and many others all alongside the 50 piece Synergia Northwest Orchestra.  Plans for Synergia Northwest 2012 are currently underway. http://www.synergianorthwest.com/


DANCE This brings together teen artists from diverse local communities and professional choreographers to collaborate and to share their culture through the art of dance. This year's 13th annual DANCE This performance blends cultural dance traditions with contemporary styles, featuring a fusion of Tahitian, Afro-Brazilian, Hip Hop, Modern, Tap and Musical Theatre, set to live music. Nationally acclaimed and visiting professional artists play an important role in raising the caliber and innovation of the performance, year after year.

Seattle Theatre Group is the 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization that operates the historic Paramount, Moore and Neptune Theatres in Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of our region’s cultural identity while keeping these three landmark venues alive and vibrant.

Tickets to DANCE This are available at Tickets.com, in person at the Paramount Theatre box offices (M-F 10am-6pm), 24-hour kiosks located outside The Paramount & Moore Theatres, charge by phone at 877-784-4849 or online at STGPresents.org.