TeenCell is the result of the IN RESIDENCE project developed at Institut Menéndez y Pelayo secondary school in Barcelona by the choreographer Aimar Pérez Galí.
The project was presented on 28 May 2015 at the Mercat de les Flors theatre (Barcelona). 
Video: Fito Conesa

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Among the key elements in the approach at Institut Menéndez y Pelayo high school are across-the-curriculum teaching and encouraging pupils to open themselves to other forms of expression that can help to increase their self-esteem.

Here, some of the pupils introduce themselves:

“Hello. My name is Muna. I am fifteen years old. I live in the Dreta de l'Eixample neighbourhood of Barcelona. I love the theatre and reading. I did ballet in my first year in primary school and I have also done rhythmic gymnastics."

"My name is Karla. I live in Carrer Sant Onofre. My hobbies are painting, photography and travelling. I did ballet when I was little. At first I wasn't sure about this activity but now I'm enjoying it quite a lot."

"My name is Noelia. I live in Vallvidrera, in Les Planes. I play volleyball. I did hip-hop one year, and rhythmic gymnastics another year. The project is fun and interesting. Although they are embarrassing, I always end up doing the activities thanks to the friendly atmosphere."

”I'm Vladimir. I live in Gràcia. I like pop music and I sometimes dance hip hop and breakdance at home.“

“My name is Andreu. I live in Gràcia. I enjoy adventure and extreme sports. The course is fine. I had never taken dance classes, I thought it would be boring but it is great fun."

"My name is Paola and I live in Vallvidrera. My hobbies are volleyball, music and reading. I did rhythmic gymnastics for two years and circus for two terms. This project is very interesting and is a different way of giving classes and learning.”

“Hello. My name is Lucía and I live in Sant Gervasi. My hobbies are music (I have been playing guitar for four years ago and I have nearly ninety CDs) and photography. When I was six or seven years I did ballet at primary school. I think the Artists IN RESIDENCE project is excellent, because it develops creativity and artistic innovation, and is easier to take than other subjects.”

“My name is Gemma and I live in Gràcia. Nearly all my hobbies have to do with: voice synthesisation, 3D animation (to create choreographies for music videos), dancing, singing (though I've heard so many opinions that I do not know whether I sing well or badly), writing songs ... Apart from all that, I also like traditional and digital drawing and writing stories, which I hope will become novels. One of the dreams I am trying to make come true now is to have my own group of virtual singers. In fact, I have got one, but I need to develop and improve them. I did hip-hop for two years at primary school and I also enjoy improvising to the music I listen to.

I think it's a great project, especially because it's interesting and different, and teaches you things you don't find at school. I am finding it a really nice experience.”

“Hello. My name is Stephany. I'm fifteen and I live in Tibidabo. My hobby is singing... I am also learning Arabic dance at the moment. I think the idea for this project is really good, because it allows us to express our feelings.”

We are a team! This was a unique experience.