Livingston Musicians Help Kids ‘Come Out Of Shells’ (VIDEOS)

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The mission is simple: to help kids “come out of their shells” by stimulating their love of science and the natural world. And to reach this goal, the members of Turtle Dance Music, a children’s entertainment company based in Livingston and New York City, are harnessing a formidable weapon… YouTube videos.

Launched several years ago by Livingston High School graduate Matthew Mazur (class of 2006), Turtle Dance Music has expanded, and now includes contributions from another LHS alum, David Colicchio (class of 2010). Together, the pair have been performing shows and STEM workshops for kids with the goal of “bringing some optimism into this strange and confusing world.”

In addition to holding hundreds of shows throughout the New Jersey and New York area, Turtle Dance Music has been branching out into the world of social media, producing entertaining-but-educational videos with their characteristic flair. (Watch some videos below)

Part of the troupe’s mantra revolves around inclusivity. Shows are generally about 45 to 60 minutes long and “sensory-friendly” for children on the autism spectrum.

According to Colicchio, their efforts have been getting noticed. Recently, the troupe’s live show was selected as “Performer of the Year” by all 33 libraries in the state of Delaware for summer 2019.

The pair stated in a joint news release:

“We believe that education happens both in and out of the classroom. Every child, regardless of developmental ability or socioeconomic status, should have a right to learn and grow to their fullest potential. Arts integration in education is a vital tool for expanding young minds and building new, exciting connections between children and the world around them. At Turtle Dance Music, we strive to create a joyful musical experience that supports the teachers, librarians, principals and parents who teach and engage children every day. Our focus is to help the children, as well as the adults, come out of their shells.”

Learn more about the performers here.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Turtle Dance Music will be performing at the following locations in 2019:

• Caldwell Public Library - July 12 from 11 a.m. to noon
• Fairfield Public Library - July 12 from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Wayne Library - July 23 from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Maplewood Library - July 27 from 11 to noon
• Montclair Public Library - July 27 from 3 to 4 p.m.
• Hoboken Library - July 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Cedar Grove Library - August 16 from 3 to 4 p.m.
• West Orange Public Library - August 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Weehawken Library - August 20 from 10 to 11 a.m.

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