Progressive Transformation
Premiered January 2009

A quartet that explores the need for change and reform within our nation's social, economic, and political infrastructure. The "peace" examines the social disconnect between big business and the small man. Performed to the politically charged music of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra, the movement brings to life a reality that has hurt our culture both economically and socially. The BIG MAN may call the shots, yet the small man reflects the laborious tasks of the workforce. Although he is taken advantage of time and time again, the small man is so humble that all he can say is "Thank You" for an opportunity. In times as economically challenging as this, the thoughts and dreams of the small man are held more valuable than the deep pockets of the BIG MAN.

The Grass is Always Greener
Premiered January 2009

A duet co-choreographed with Heather Favretto that explores the boundaries of gender and the simple idiom of "can't live with them, can't live without them." This piece is a dance short that brings comedic slapstick to movement. The dancers embody a couple's last thoughts before they walk down the aisle. The bride and groom consider all the things that drive them crazy about each other, only to find out that this is worth it in the end.

Positive Manifestation
Premiered March 2009

This piece was inspired by the exciting change in our country with President Barack Obama's 2009 inauguration. Although times may seem uncertain with the economy in recession and continued occupation in Iraq, the most important thing to stay focused on is the positive light the President brings his citizens. The catch phrase "Yes We Can" manifests positive energy to those who believe in a stronger nation. The energy that we manifest everyday produces change. When we see things that cannot be expressed in words, or through moving bodies in dance, we are taken to a new and inspiring place for change. Positive Manifestation is a celebration for all those excited to make a real change in our country in years to come so we can continue to be proud Americans.

Motion-Induced Blindness
Premiered July 2009

This piece plays with themes of deception and illusionism to create a surreal and magical sense of dreamlike contemplation on one of life's deepest mysteries, perception. Perception is very interesting in regard to the human condition since we may often find our brains playing tricks on us. The dancers explore perception through optical illusions, or visually perceived images that differ from objective reality. Similarly, many times we may feel so emotionally attached to something that reality becomes misconstrued and we see a self-induced interpretation of reality instead of the objective fact. The piece also simulates the difficulty that individual perception can add to life's struggles. From bound rope, to alluring fabric, this piece reveals what can and cannot be seen by one's interpretation of reality.

Rediscoverd Elegance
Premiered October 2009

Rediscoverd Elegance (9/3) is site-specific to Carlos Dorrien's sculpture, The Nine Muses. The piece was performed amidst one of the Grounds for Sculpture's signature pieces in Hamilton, NJ. The choreography reflects the timeless feminine quality of the muses and also plays with the element of numerology. The muses have been assigned numbers by their sculptor, as opposed to names, which gave the inspiration for numeric play. The piece uses Egyptian, Indian, and Italian music to explore the unidentified pre-Columbian origins of the stone muses. The site-specific nature of the dance made it dependent upon the The Nine Muses, instead of using them as mere background. Instead, the sculpture encompassed the body and purpose of the entire piece. Many thanks to The Outlet Dance Project for making the vision and support for this project possible.

Controlled Frenzy
Premiered April 2010

Controlled Frenzy was created during a company residency at Silo in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In this dance, everyone embodies a certain aspect of the paranormal, or a "super power", through the qualities of composition. Controlled Frenzy also plays with the juxtaposition of the peaceful state that comes from insanity, as well as the fine line between frantic mania and calm tranquility.

Rock On
Premiered July 2010

Rock On is a fun-loving tribute to Rock and Roll. It explores 5 decades of rock starting with the rise of social activism in the 1960s with John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance." As the audience continues on their journey from the 1960s through the 2000s, the audience will enjoy fun songs explored in a way never seen before by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Talking Heads, Nirvana, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. The background of the dance also includes a video projection of the dancers improving in fabric, creating a surreal and psychedelic experience.