|
 The dance group Momix will be performing at the Beasley Coliseum in Pullman tonight at 7:30 p.m. Max Pucciariello/Courtesy Photo
Momix is known across the country and the world for its visual delights.
From magical lighting and illusions to bold costumes and flashy dance moves, Momix has captivated audiences with its unique style of dance and acrobatics since the 1980s.
Now, the Festival Dance and Performing Arts Association is bringing the popular show back to the Palouse tonight.
Cindy Barnhart, Festival Dance executive director, said the Momix shows are similar to Cirque du Soleil, and when Momix first came about five years ago, they were a huge hit. She said the show is always popular wherever it goes.
“The show is made up of these visual escapades where you can’t figure out where the basis of gravity is,” Barnhart said. “There’s magic, fog and lighting, and you can really focus on the body and how in the world they are actually accomplishing this.”
Barnhart said another unique aspect of a Momix performance are the props and contraptions they use — from a large, rolling metal form that dancers climb on to large metal poles.
“One dance has these large metal poles, and it’s like pole vaulting but with the artistry of dance,” she said. “They climb based on a way of exert force, core muscles and balance. It’s beautiful.”
Joann Muneta, educational coordinator for Festival Dance, attended the Momix show when it was last in the Palouse and said the way the dancers work with unexpected props is what makes the show stand out. She said at the last show there was a man dancing with a gyroscope-like contraption.
“He would go in it and over it,” Muneta said. “It was really beautiful to behold. They use props and lights more than most companies do.”
Muneta said she couldn’t really tell people what to expect because it’s such an unpredictable show.
“I think a lot of improv goes into the show,” Muneta said. “They get a prop and work with it, and if it works they leave it in, and if not they go on and try something else.”
Barnhart said her biggest goal for this show is to make sure anyone with any interest in this style of dance gets to see the show.
“It’s really satisfying, and people feel like ‘Wow, I was really in there,’” Barnhart said.
She said what she likes most about Momix is the spectacle.
“I love modern dance pieces where the performers don’t have big costumes and the lighting is plain, but this show is so neat,” she said.
“I love these incredible, fantastic costumes they wear and the whole huge performance aspect.”
Barnhart said audiences will agree as well — from world-traveling audience members to the every-day person — and everyone will enjoy the show.
“Quite a few audience members are subscribers and world travelers who go to New York and Broadway and see these fantastic shows around the country and the world, and they will recognize this show as a truly world class show and appreciate it,” Barnhart said.
Muneta said much of the show is humorous, and many of the actual performances will leave audience members wondering how they did it. She also said most traditional ballet shows feature between two and three performances during each half of the show, while Momix features about 10. She said the show is made up of a lot of shorter pieces, which makes it flow faster.
“It’s very imaginative and magical, fast moving and humorous. Everyone always has a good time,” Muneta said.
The Best of MOMIX takes place one night only: tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Beasley Coliseum at WSU. Ticket prices range from $14 - $28 and are available at the door and through TicketsWest outlets. For more information contact Festival Dance at 883-3267.
 Add as favorites (15) | Views: 240
|
