When you think of a dance concert you might picture pop music, sparkly costumes, and light hearted subject matter. Project Moves Dance Company’s new Reach Out show will shatter any previous expectations of what should be included in a dance show. The company is composed entire of dancers in elementary, middle school, and high school. Each of these dancers shares one common goal: To spread a message of change through their art.

There are a variety of subject matters represented through dance, as the show covers a plethora of important issues facing today’s youth — and often the world — in its entirety. Bullying is a main issue this non-profit aims to address. The company promotes the idea of acceptance. Other hard-hitting issues these dancers tackle head on are police brutality, racism, body image, same-sex relationships, school shootings, student testing stress, and depleting human connections. This year, one particular piece of choreography tackles an idea that the company has yet to cover: being a bully toward oneself. Set to a poem and a powerful track, the choreography was arranged by Teddy Forance, and it is titled “Running.” The choreographer had a sit-down discussion with the dancers about the dangers of self-bullying and self-doubt. The piece expresses the importance of giving oneself a break from the constant and exhausting sprint toward the impossible standard set. It urges everyone to stop bullying themselves, to accept and appreciate, and to be comfortable with the idea that you are enough.

Project Moves Dance Company has been spreading a message of change through the art of dance for many years. They travel to schools and perform free shows for middle and high school students. This past year the company completed a New England tour to further expand their message. The company has received recognition for its success in empowering and sending a message of hope to its audiences. The dancers have been featured on Dancing With The Stars and have performed on New York City stages.

Most shows consist of a question and answer session when the audience is able to connect with the dancers and the company’s founder, Rennie Gold. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions or comment on the experience. During this time the dancers understand their influence on a deeper more intimate level. Many audience members express how the show gave them a sense of courage to stand up against future injustice. Others often express gratitude for a renewed sense of hope if they are struggling with any of the issues the show addresses.

Project Moves Dance Company is guaranteed to inspire and move its audiences. Their brand new show, Reach Out, is premiering this weekend, April 11^th and 12^th at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Massachusetts. The show is free for all middle and high school students (of any school). Be sure to experience the magic this weekend and watch these dancers change the world with their movement.