“Movie and a Makeover” airs every weekend on TBS, interweaving fun, innovative design tips with showings of popular movies. On Saturday, February 21st, “Movie and a Makeover” will highlight Chris McCord and his Men in Motion students, as its design team renovates Chris’s living room.

Chris was chosen out of hundreds of “Movie and a Makeover” contenders because of his selflessness and dedication to the community. As Moving in the Spirit’s Director of Men in Motion, Chris spends many hours each week working with young men ages 8-13 to improve their dance skills, help them with their schoolwork, and provide them with fun activities that serve as an alternative to street life.

“Being a part of ‘Movie and a Makeover’ has been amazing,” shares Chris. “Their designers transformed my living room into a wonderful area where the boys can do their homework and hang out together.”

Chris and his Men in Motion students can be seen on TBS’s “Movie and a Makeover” on Saturday, February 21st at 11:15am, during the movie Drumline. Check your local listings for TBS, and don’t forget to tune in!

Moving in the Spirit will present its sixth annual Men in Motion show on Saturday, February 21st at 6pm and 8pm, and Sunday, February 22nd at 4pm and 6pm. This fun event will feature young men, ages 8-13, performing with some of Atlanta’s most talented professional male dancers. The show consists of exciting dance pieces based in the hip-hop and modern genres.

Moving in the Spirit’s Men in Motion program supports boys by providing them with an alternative to street-life, engaging them in meaningful dance activities that help them develop responsibility and respect.

“Being a part of Men in Motion has made me a better person,” says one Men in Motion dancer. “My teacher taught me how to take responsibility for my own actions, how to make good decisions, and he always tells me to have a positive attitude.” Another young dancer explains, “At Men in Motion, I’ve learned that I am a leader, and that I can do more in life.”

Men in Motion will perform on Saturday, February 21st at 6pm and 8pm, and Sunday, February 22nd at 4pm and 6pm. The show will be held at Moving in the Spirit’s home theater, The Beam, located at 750 Glenwood Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets may be purchased for $12 at the door on the night of the event. Children under the age of 3 can attend the performance free of charge. For reservations, please e-mail rsvp@movinginthespirit.org.

The Holiday Store, Moving in the Spirit’s much-loved annual bazaar for the children and teens in our programs, will be held this year on December 13, 2008. Moving in the Spirit believes in rewarding the positive behaviors and achievements of our students, and awards “points” every class to students who work hard, meet their commitments and demonstrate core values. At the Holiday Store, students redeem their hard-earned points to “buy” holiday gifts for friends, family members and loved ones. We need your help to ensure the success of this year’s Holiday Store! 

Moving in the Spirit will be accepting gift donations suitable for children, teens, moms and dads through Tuesday, December 9^th. Suggested gift items include: Bath & Body Items, Sporting Goods, Bikes, CD Players/Walkmans, Toys/Puzzles, Books, Children’s Music & Videos, DVD Players, Jewelry, Cooking Supplies, Gift Certificates/Movie Passes, Video Games/ Game Boys, School Supplies, Arts & Crafts Supplies, Dancewear/Leotards, Cosmetics/Make Up for Girls, New Jackets/ Scarves, MP3 Players/I Pods, Radios/Cameras, Microwaves, Grilling Items for Dads, Tools/ Items for Dads, Watches/ Purses,  and Tickets to Sporting Events.

Cash donations and retail gift cards are also welcome, and can be mailed to Moving in the Spirit, PO Box 17628 Atlanta, GA 30316.

Moving in the Spirit also needs volunteers to help collect gifts, set up the Store (Dec. 12), wrap presents (Dec.13), and serve as personal shoppers to younger dancers (Dec.13). Hands on participation in this project will definitely renew anyone’s Holiday Spirit!

For more information on getting involved, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Kacey Harbison at volunteer@movinginthespirit.org.

Apprentice Corporation, Junior Company and Men in Motion are advanced programs that provide performance, leadership and mentor opportunities to dedicated young dancers who embody Moving in the Spirit’s core values. Young people auditioning for these companies are not judged solely on their technical skills, but also on their overall motivation and enthusiasm. Students who demonstrate determination and a willingness to help others are considered vital to the success of the programs.

By nurturing young people with such qualities, Moving in the Spirit creates an environment that develops compassionate leaders. One Junior Company member explains, “Moving in the Spirit helps me set goals, and helps me to learn new things. I come back every year because the people here support me. Everyone treats me and others like family. At Moving in the Spirit, I feel like I am at home.”

Congratulations Apprentice Corporation, Junior Company and Men in Motion members. We are proud and excited to welcome you into this year’s family!