Groundworks Dance Theater steps away from convention at this weekend’s performances at Cain Park. The local troupe’s frantic music and flashy lighting, coupled with head-spinning moves, makes for an indescribable experience. “It’s hard to put into words where we fit in,” laughs artistic associate Amy Miller. “I think it’s kinda good that way. We’re a contemporary dance company that thinks out of the box.”
The alfresco shows this weekend spotlight company founder David Shimotakahara’s tribal opus “Kabila,” duets featuring choreography by Miller and K.T. Neihoff, and music by guitarist and composer James Marron. “Most of our performances require a lot of stamina,” says Miller. “In summer, we try to loosen that a bit.”
Still, don’t mistake these relatively lighter pieces for fluffy escapades. Miller’s own process-oriented presentation gains new depth every time she’s onstage, she says. “I love the discovery part of it. Something is reborn every day.”
June 22-23, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., June 24, 2 p.m.
This article appears in Jun 20-26, 2007.