Pennsylvania Ballet Performers 'Shut Up And Dance' Saturday At Forrest Theater

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Saturday is the 19th annual "Shut Up and Dance" performance by dancers of the Pennsylvania Ballet, benefiting those living with chronic illnesses.

In 1993, dancers of the Pennsylvania Ballet decided to just "shut up and dance" as a response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Today, MANNA or the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance, helps provide nutritious meals to thousands with life threatening illnesses.   Richard Keaveney is MANNA's CEO.

"We are helping on any given month about a thousand men, women and children," MANNA's CEO Richard Keaveney said.

Jonathan Stiles, producing director of Shut up and Dance, says while the show's mission remains the same, the show is always new.

"We get new people who are involved, and new energy comes into the show."

The performance is at 8pm Saturday at the Forrest Theater with pre and post parties. Go to www.mannapa.org for details and tickets.

Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio