MVLE Moves Performance Group

Since 2015, BodyWise Dance has led an Inclusive Dance program for MVLE, a service organization for people with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD), including diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Together, the ensemble of professional performers and novices create original stage productions which tour to local venues such as the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, Fort Belvoir USO, and George Mason’s Hylton Center for the Performing Arts.

Our newest show, Rookies’ First Feast, is a food fantasy romp! Two newbie firefighters face their highest hurdle yet: cooking for the squad. Plus, Capt. Salvo is dairy-free. So, what’s it going to be? As the young firefighters strive to fit in and learn to cook healthy food, the Veggie Godmother, comes to their aid – showing them what teamwork and imagination can do!

In rehearsal for Rookies’ First Feast. After the meal is cooked, we gotta set the table!

What’s YOUR favorite lunch time food? Do you like to cook? Do you eat differently when you’re all by yourself with a bag of potato chips? These are just a few of the questions we asked ourselves as we created the show.

Rookies’ First Feast is an original production created by BodyWise Dance professionals and MVLE core members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To create this year’s show, the cast visited the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department to see it for ourselves and get ideas for the dances, scenes, and music in Rookie’s First Feast.

MVLE, Inc. is a nonprofit whose mission is to create futures one person at a time for individuals with disabilities through community-based employment and support services. The MVLE Moves program provides weekly performing arts education and movement therapy for over 150 individuals.

Performing at the MVLE annual dinner.

Want to book Rookies’ First Feast? Please call Director Margot Greenlee at 202.253.7946 or email margot@bodywisedance.com. For information about MVLE, contact Sarah Caldwell at m: 703-894-8247 or SCaldwell@mvle.org. Join us at an upcoming performance or rehearsal by contacting Margot Greenlee: margot@bodywisedance.com

Performances made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; Virginia Commission for the Arts; and ARTSFAIRFAX.

And learn more about our past performances here: 2018 All About Dogs, 2017 Everyday Oz