A Mused Collective is a modern dance and musical performance collective. A Mused Collective was created to activate and fulfill a passion for dance, movement, music, artistic expression and community. They are dedicated to collaborating with musicians, composers and artists to co-create a dynamic and engaging experience centered on the synergy of dance, music and the arts. A Mused Collective seeks to bring dance and music to disadvantaged and underserved people of all ages. They utilize the arts to develop confidence and create an outlet that fosters personal growth, recovery, creativity and community.
Artistic Director Abby McNally established A Mused Collective in 2009 with the support of Musical Director Tony Poeck. A Mused Collective has performed throughout Northern California in various theaters, studios, clubs and festivals. A Mused Collective began providing free community workshops and classes in creative movement and music in 2010. They plan to begin touring in 2012.
- Dance Company in Residence at Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland, CA (2009-2010)
- Artist in Residence at DanceGround Keriac, San Francisco, CA (2011)
Artistic/Musical Directors:
Abby McNally, Artistic Director
Abby McNally is a director, choreographer, musician, teacher and environmentalist. Her professional environmental associations and diverse dance and music training have helped define her passionate, fluid and athletic movement style. She challenges boundaries and rhythm while exploring momentum and suspension. Abby received formal training in modern dance technique and contact improvisation while attending the University of California, Davis (1997-2001). Upon graduation, Abby joined the Linda Bair Dance Company, based in Davis, CA, and performed throughout the Sacramento and Bay Areas (2001-2005). Abby continues to perform as a guest artist with the Linda Bair Dance Company, and most recently performed in "Shorts/Feature" (2010) and "Burst" (2011). Abby has also performed with Kegan Marling and Jane Schnorrenberg, known collectively as SPOON (2002 & 2006). Abby teaches beginning/intermediate modern dance and contact improvisation at Kinetic Arts Center in Oakland, California. She is currently the Groundwater Resources Association's San Francisco Branch Vice President (
http://www.grac.org), and is the Professional Environmental Marketing Association Bay Area President (
http://www.ncalpema.org).
Tony Poeck, Musical Director
Tony began studying music composition and voice at the age of 13. He performed in the Napa High School Chamber Choir as first tenor section leader. While attending Chapman University (1995-1998), Tony continued his study of music and broadened his base to include percussion and acoustic guitar. He furthered his musical journey when he transferred to the University of California, Davis (UCD); where he managed a local band (1998-2002). Tony later discovered his true passion for bass guitar, improvisation, collaboration and jazz theory. In 2009, Tony extended his musical experience to include West African Jembe. He currently performs with a West African musical performance trio, and the band Mytholythic. Tony performs at private parties, local festivals and provides musical accompaniment for dance classes.
Performance Experience
October 14-15, 2011 - BLUE: ebbs and flows, A Mused Collective production at CounterPULSE in San Francisco, CA.
July 15-16, 2011 - DanceGround Keriac Artist in Residence Performance with Christine Germain & Dancers, San Francisco, CA.
May 7, 2011 - Whole Earth Festival, University of California, Davis.
November 20, 2010 - Choreographers Performance Alliance "Works in the Works" performance series at 8th Street Studio in Berkeley, CA.
October 9, 2010 - Musings & Musical Interludes, A Mused Collective production at Kinetic Arts Center in Oakland, CA.
June 3-5, 2010 - Guest Artist Performance in "Shorts/Feature", at the Veteran’s Memorial Theatre, produced by Linda Bair, Davis, CA.
May 11, 2010 - Whole Earth Festival, University of California, Davis.
February 6, 2010 - Guest Artist Performance in the Davis Dance Project, Making Dance, at the Veteran’s Memorial Theatre, produced by Pamela Trokanski, Davis, CA.
November 21, 2009 - Choreographers' Performance Alliance "Works in the Works" performance series at 8th Street Studio in Berkeley, CA.
November 7, 2009 - Kinetic Arts Center Grand Opening Celebration and Performance, Oakland, CA.