McClendon School of Dance Takes to the Stage with "Here I Am" in Tribute to Atlanta Performing Arts
The McClendon School of Dance (MSD) is joining forces with some of the city's most progressive underground performers to fuse dance with rock music, spoken word, hip-hop and visual artists in its inaugural "Here I Am" production.


STONE MOUNTAIN, GA, May 03, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The McClendon School of Dance (MSD) is joining forces with some of the city's most progressive underground performers to fuse dance with rock music, spoken word, hip-hop and visual artists in its inaugural "Here I Am" production. The event will be held on May 29, 30 and 31st at Douglass High School located at 225 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr., Atlanta, 30318.

Created by Denise McClendon, MSD's founder and artistic director, "Here I Am" was designed to promote all facets of the arts in one setting. "We are pushing the envelope when it comes to the arts in Atlanta," says McClendon. "Here I Am is an edgy show that celebrates the arts as a whole. Everyone has their only niches and focus areas, but I thought it would be a great idea to bring various sectors of the arts under one umbrella to foster a sense of community, to develop partnerships, and to encourage out of the box creativity."

"Here I Am" will feature original music by John Kegler, as well as performances by his rock band Spare Change. Additional performers will include the String Orchestra from the DeKalb School of the Arts, and Terrance Bennett and Tre McClendon of the tap duo Tip Tap Two. Spoken word artists, hip hop musicians and visual artists will also participate in select dance numbers.

"We haven't been in this business for three decades for nothing," adds McClendon. "We enjoy keeping our ears and eyes open to new arts trends, but also to set our own trends. It's our duty, especially after 30 years, to inspire young people to view performing arts as a natural part of their individuality, and not to view it simply as entertainment. We express ourselves in so many different ways, and this show pays tribute to that."

"Here I Am" will take to the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 29; at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30; and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. For ticket, sponsorship and performance information, contact the McClendon School of Dance at 404.292.4920 or www.mcclendonschoolofdance.com.

About the McClendon School of Dance
Incorporated in 1980, McClendon School of Dance, Inc. uses dance as a fountainhead in a holistically designed curriculum that incorporates dance and motivational instruction, and emphasizes academic excellence, moral and ethical values.

In addition to its dance specialties- classical ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and praise and worship- McClendon provides academic tutoring with proven teaching techniques that has helped the School to mold and develop kids and young adults, while simultaneously building character. The McClendon techniques have played a pivotal role in gaining its students acceptance into the nation's top dance programs such as Alvin Ailey's Dance Theatre at Fordham University and North Carolina School of the Arts, to name just a few.

McClendon School of Dance has established relationships with world renowned talents who routinely return to guest instruct and choreograph for the studio. These talents include: Jhane Hill, principle dancer with the Dusseldorf Ballet in Dusseldorf, Germany; Karen Brown director of the Oakland Ballet, former principle dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem; and Allyn Gartrell rehearsal director for Dallas Black Dance Theatre. For more information, contact 404-292-4920 or visit www.mcclendonschoolofdance.com.

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