April 19–26, 2001

arts picks|dance

Momix

Okay, Momix is in town again this week. Yes, it’s that oddly named modern dance spin-off of the oddly named Pilobolus. Not Body/Vox which was just here, nor ISO which is often here — also Pilobolus spin-offs. These troupes claim differences, some are more dancey, some more inclined to feature odd props, but basically they’re all athletic movers who go for laughs. Moses Pendleton founded Momix almost 20 years ago, and before that he was a Pilobolus founder. We’re talking family, and Pendleton favors the odd-prop branch.

Momix is bringing something new to Annenberg’s Dance Celebration series — a full evening piece called "Momix in Orbit." Collaborating with Pendleton on this is Michael Curry, he of the spiffy Disney Lion King design team. So it goes without saying the Momixians will have intriguing props to dance with, around, through and under as is their wont. We’re forewarned of a giant hula hoop, plus a visit from E.T.’s brother E.C.

Watch for Kara Oculato, formerly with Pennsylvania Ballet, now a full-fledged Momixian. As "The Dying Swan," Kara was a staple of "Shut Up and Dance," PB’s AIDS benefit. Surely Moses will find some way to use Kara’s adept manner with feathers. He’s used about everything else, including a childhood experience exhibiting Holstein Friesians (cows I think) at a county fair — he cites this as his earliest performance.

—Janet Anderson

Dance Celebration presents Momix, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., Thu., April 19, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., April 20, 8 p.m.; Sat. April 21, 2 & 8 p.m. 215-898-3900.