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"Upbeat, energetic and compelling" are words to describe West Chester Dance Works premier dance team, the DM Dance Machine! The team is an energtized comilation of jazz and hip hop dancing to current fast paced music with a contagious, driving rhythm.
Dancers are selected through an audition process. Dancers range in age from thirteen through young adult with an emphasis placed on advanced jazz technique. Team members generally represent more than seven years of varied dance training and will qualify as either a Team Member, Alternate or as an Apprentice. Click here to view a photo gallery featuring the DM Dance Team .
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DM DanceTeam Vision Statement |
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The team allows participants a dance form that is both technically challenging and enjoyable. Using changing shapes and unique cheerleading-inspired arrangements, we reflect a precision and unity in dance. Dancers are drawn to our group not only due to the excitement of the finished routine and the numerous performing opportunities, but also due to the team building and camaraderie it encourages.
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Rehearsals for the Dance Team are held weekly on Saturday mornings September through June, with additional rehearsals as needed for performances. Additionally, there is a required summer Dance Team Camp. This time will focus on choreography, training and other production related topics such as performance etiquette and make-up. The goal is to provide the students with all of the necessary tools prior to performance, which enables them to take full advantage of their opportunities and become better performers.
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There is a $40 monthly programming fee for DM Dance Machine membership. All checks should be made payable to West Chester Dance Works and are not considered tax deductible. This fee is due the first of every month. This fee assists in covering expenses related to costumes, rehearsals, performance fees, and travel. Donations from grants, individuals, and corporations contribute to cover the remaining expenses. These combined efforts enable West Chester Dance Works to continue serving the community.
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DM Dance Team Past Performances |
- Youth Dance Festival
- NBC Fit Fest
- Old Fashioned Christmas
- West Chester's May Day & Super Sunday
- Chester County Hospsital Fair
- YMCA Winter Youth Basketball Tournaments
- WCDW Outreach Performances
- Temple University Home Games
- Drexel University Home Games
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Candace Matthews-Bass, DM Dance Machine Director |
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Candace Matthews-Bass trained at the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts for 16 years, studying ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling. While attending Drexel University, Candace was the captain of the first Drexel University Dance team and a former member and choreographer with the Drexel University Dance Ensemble. She graduated with a BS in Psychology.
Candace has danced professionally with Body Language Modern Dance Company and performed with Freedom Theatre in Alkynza Danz 1999. She has performed for other freelance projects including half time shows at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center sporting events. Additionaly, Candace has been a member of West Chester Dance Works as both a corps and principle dancer for over 15 years. "Ms. Candi" is also entering her eighth year as director of our dance team, DM Dance Machine.
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