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May 16-22, 2002 artpicks Pop Garde
DancePilobolus Dance Theatre may well be Philadelphia's favorite visiting dance troupe. They're definitely the favorite of audiences for the Annenberg Center's Dance Celebration series, which has featured the company more than any other. Randy Swartz, D.C.'s artistic director, thinks the attraction is due to the fact that the company is innovative as well as accessible. As he observes, "Pilobolus is by definition avant-garde, but it comes across as popular, which is why years ago I called them pop-garde." The company is best known for its intriguing use of the body as sculpture, where members bend, twist and hold one another to form an inventive array of configurations. Sometimes they do this while wearing skimpy outfits, so the result is both provocative and downright sexy. "Visually it's cunning, clever and high energy," says Swartz. "It crosses all boundaries; their movement is not defined by a particular style." For their upcoming appearance, Pils, as they're affectionately known, presents "The Brass Ring," a humorous work commissioned by the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. Considering the daring athleticism of the troupe, the connection makes a lot of sense. The bill also features a world premiere, which as of last week was still untitled. Whatever it ends up being named, with this crew, count on something that's invigorating and inventive. Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Thu., May 16, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., May 17, 8 p.m.; Sat., May 18, 2 and 8 p.m., $28-$35, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900. | ||||||||||||||||||||
