Motus Dance Theatre vigorously attacked being in the moment of and experiencing the consequences of bullying, bipolar disorders, vengefulness, jealousy, thoughtlessness, selfishness, lack of self-esteem, anti-social branding, etc. in "IN".

Etc—namely, all the hateful interpersonal inflictions in a world where it's really less trouble being kind, thoughtful, compassionate, supportive, loving. Who among us has not been the recipient of exclusion? Who among us has not endured being snapped at for a minor infraction of meaningless 'rules'? Who among us has not been fearful of people we are supposed to depend on for supportive love?

While the cause of all this trauma was not the intent of this program, the sheer violence of the victimization in each vignette was unsettling enough to send us home intent upon reversing the out-of-control behavior and instead engaging in directed and random acts of kindness.

Heidi Keller Phillips directed an inclusive company of twelve dancers whose diverse physicality and levels of performance enhanced the theme of exclusion/inclusion.

Act 1 felt the stronger of the two-act program, though the closing number with its reflection upon the opening story helped to bring the evening to a somewhat hopeful conclusion. The vision of seven choreographers flowed into each other to largely unsettling and jarring musical compositions and harsh lighting, Nov. 11 and 12 on the White Rabbit stage in Fountain Square.

More at: Motusdance.com