Forward Motion Dance Company
We are a Wilmington, NC, based non-profit 501(c)(3) dance organization whose mission is to provide local and regional communities with quality modern contemporary dance and education in the art of dance, as well as enhance the local arts community by providing performance opportunities for area dancers and performance artists.
Information about our dance company that is located on this page can be used for publication in other media outlets. Please contact us if more information is needed.
Press Release
From: Tracey Varga
Forward Motion Dance Company
910.232-8151
traceyvarga@msn.com
Forward Motion Dance Company
presents
The 21st Annual ARTS SENSATION!
Variety Showcase of Music and Dance
7:30 p.m. April 18, 2025
Thalian Hall Main Stage
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Tickets are $37.45 general admission and includes all taxes & fees. Please contact the Thalian Hall Box Office at 910.632.2285 or online for ticket reservations.
The 21st Annual Arts Sensation is presented by Forward Motion Dance Company on the Thalian Hall Main Stage to showcase lively and entertaining local talent for a music and dance spectacular! Now presenting its 21st performance, Arts Sensation began in 2001, created by Tracey Varga and produced each year by Forward Motion Dance Company with the intent to bring local musicians and dance artists together to share their vast talents in a variety of genres, all on the beautiful Main Stage of the historic Thalian Hall.
Musical entertainment is from Selah Dubb, a powerhouse reggae band hailing from Wrightsville Beach, NC. Founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Evangelist, the band has been captivating audiences for over three decades with their infectious beats, powerful live performances and mix of original reggae anthems and dance hall grooves, spanning over 12 albums and numerous smash hits.
The current lineup of Selah Dubb includes Mizz Beatz on keyboards and vocals, and Justin “Heter” Pan on drums and percussion. The trio brings their unique blend of reggae, rock, and soul to every show, inspiring audiences far and wide.
Arts Sensation also brings a variety of dance creations from several genres. Teen students from the Theatre Dance Workshop perform the “Stick Dance” that was created and choreographed by Tom Hansen for the 1974 production of Peter Pan. A re-creation of a dance is brought by choreographer and dance instructor Judy Greenhut. Choreographer and dancer Linda Larson restages a work with fourteen vibrant dancers that was featured in Bob Fosse’s 1978 Broadway show Dancin’ with a musical score by Brad Anderson and Eugene Fleming. Adding a special flare is ballroom dance instructor Erin Pick who presents the “Name of the Rose Waltz” with ten dancers.
Modern-contemporary dance pieces are choreographed by instructors including Melanie Dubel, Lily Hemingway, and Zoe Hemingway and danced by students of the Glory Academy of Fine Arts. Energetic dance solos ignite in a funk piece choreographed and performed by Lily Hemingway as well as a modern-classical solo created and danced by Mya Tominack. Tracey Varga presents a modern-jazz dance set to music by Goldfrapp, and with their fine style, the captivating Company “T” Tap Dancers, also choregraphed by Tracey Varga, return to wow audiences with their vintage flair.
A special presentation of the unique and historic Thunder Roll and Rain Machine showcases these special effects, built right into the Thalian Hall stage, that were innovative and thrilling in their time.
The 21st Arts Sensation is supported by a grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment andthe Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County. Forward Motion Dance Company is honored to be a recipient of this grant to further our mission to provide collaborative, contemporary dance performances in local venues which highlight the talents of Choreographer Tracey Varga and many wonderful dancers, musicians, and visual and vocal artists within our community. For more information, please visit us on Facebook or at forwardmotiondance.org.
Photos below are available to download for print or digital publication.
