MM2 Modern Dance Company of Philadelphia Returns to Toronto for World Pride

The Philadelphia-based MM2 Modern Dance Company will be returning to perform in Toronto in June 2014 on the occasion of the World Pride celebration. MM2 will be performing and holding workshops during their five day tour at The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, The Distillery Historic District and The Bata Shoe Museum. The performances at the Bata Shoe Museum and The Distillery Historic District are World Pride Affiliate Events.

While the dance company has always had non-discrimination policies firmly in place as part of its mission, the recent lobby effort in the States for legalizing same-sex marriage as well as the company’s tour in Italy last summer, increased the group’s awareness of the plight of LGBTTIQQ2SA communities both locally and globally.

Company founder and executive producer, Steven Weisz explained, "At our core as artists and dancers, is a belief that it is both our diversity and individuality that makes for a more humane and better world, further enriched by the arts. As a straight for equality ally, we have come to the realization that it is the everyday changes and conversations that can raise awareness and challenge assumptions and stereotypes. It is a willingness to learn more and speak up when the opportunity presents that makes for a powerful voice in the struggle for human rights."

To show its support, MM2 Modern Dance registered some of its performances as World Pride Affiliate Events. On Friday, June 20th from Noon to 2:00 pm, they will be doing site specific, improvisational dance throughout The Distillery Historic District, free and open to the public. On Saturday, June 21st from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm they will be creating new works, "designed to move you", at the Bata Shoe Museum. The performances are free with museum admission.

Weisz reflects, "Dance is a shared experience, through which we can better understand our common humanity by appreciating and exploring the different inflections of this art form. It is our hope that audiences in Toronto will come out and celebrate with us!"

MM2 will also be presenting their latest dance work, BREATH, at The McMichael Canadian Art Collection on Thursday, June 19th at 8pm. There will be a conversation with the artists at 7:30pm, just before the performance. MM2 Dance will then return on Sunday, June 22nd at noon for a movement workshop with families, followed by improvisational dance on the grounds and in the galleries from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.
Weisz explains, "after several visits as a tourist to The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, I was deeply inspired by both the art displayed as well as the surrounding landscape and became determined to bring the dance company there".

ABOUT MM2
MM2 Modern Dance Company provides support, space and opportunities for dance artists, who wish to explore the choreographic process, in order to cultivate and introduce new work to new audiences. MM2 recognizes the inherent value in nurturing developing artists as well as the collaborative spirit to foster creativity, while pushing boundaries and forward-thinking. The season’s dancers and choreographers are Jessica Bryan, Jenna Faye Eugenides, Kaylee Goodwin, Jillian Ikeler, Jennifer Laucella, Alison Liney and Brianne Scott.

MM2 Modern Dance
Toronto Tour Schedule

Thursday, June 19th
8:00PM
BREATH
Woodland Gallery
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario L0J 1C0 Canada
Tickets: $29CAD

Friday, June 20th
12 Noon – 2:00PM
Improvisational Dance
The Distillery Historic District
55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 Canada
FREE to the public | World Pride Affiliate Event

Saturday, June 21st
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Site Specific Dance
The Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor Street West , Toronto ON M5S 1W7 Canada
FREE with admission to the museum | World Pride Affiliate

Sunday, June 22nd
12:00 Noon – 1:00PM – MM2 Modern Dance Workshop for Families | FREE with admission - registration required.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Improvisational Dance on the grounds and in the galleries | FREE with admission
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection
10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, Ontario L0J 1C0 Canada