NORWICH – Phoenix Project Dance - the area’s own professional dancing company since 2004 - will present a show to kick-off its touring season at 7:30 p.m., both Friday and Saturday at the Chenango Arts Council, 27 West Main Street, Norwich.

The members of the company hail from various locations around the country, and international locations including Canada. They use Chenango County as their home-base during rehearsal season, and have opted to debut a special performance for this weekend’s show - their collaboration with two other area artists.

Dr. Anthony Cicoria - a long-time orthopedic surgeon in the area as well as a respected pianist - has composed a brand new piece of music titled “Lightning Sonata.”

“It’s really pretty wild,” said Phoenix Project Dance Executive Director Mikey Perkins. “He composed an entire piece, and we have incorporated the dance element into it.”

Perkins added the dancers with Phoenix Project - along with Dr. Cicoria - will be debuting the new piece at the shows this weekend and the company’s dancers will perform to the first movement of Cicoria’s piece.

Not only will locally composed music and dance be highlighted this weekend, Sherburne-Earlville Central School teacher and local artist Jackie Craine has painted three murals to be displayed as a back-drop for the show.

“We were able to use one of Jackie’s murals when we debuted “The Eleventh Hour” in Hamilton last year, but for this performance we’ll be able to use all three,” said Perkins. “It’s great - three types of art all at one show.”

Katiana Paré - a dancer hailing from Quebec - has been with Phoenix Project for approximately one year, but has been dancing since the age of three.

Paré, who has yet to perform in Norwich, said, “I am really excited to be performing again, and this company - we just love each other.”

“The group we have really, really clicks well,” added Perkins, who stated there are a total of ten dancers in the company.

“We have been rehearsing together every day,” commented Paré. “This should be a really fun show.”