MOMIX dance troupe defies traditions

What is dance? Must it tell a story? Is it only movement?

At Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. a dance troupe will take the stage that defies all traditional definitions. They are a company of dancer-illusionists who use light, shadow, props and the human body to put on a show that celebrates athleticism, creativity and innovation.

Directed by its founder Moses Pendleton, MOMIX has performed worldwide bringing its unique show to audiences on five different continents. In addition to performing live on stage, they’ve also worked in film and television, recently appearing in a national commercial for Hanes underwear and a Target ad.

The show they are bringing to Wharton this week is called “Opus Cactus,” a multimedia experience that celebrates the American Southwest as mysterious and vibrant.

The description of the show reads, “If Salvador Dali and Leonardo da Vinci joined forces and were commissioned by ‘National Geographic,’ you’d get Opus Cactus, a dynamic journey into the hidden landscape of the American Southwest. With a sense of danger, mystery, and humor, the dance illusion of MOMIX brings to life a Sonoran desert full of soaring cactuses, lithe lizards, slithering snakes and frolicking insects.”

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MOMIX is returning to Wharton after last performing there five years ago. The cast performs using Pendleton’s signature choreography to put on this physically daring two-act show that runs approximately one hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission. The images are brought to life using acrobatics, dance, gymnastics, illusion, contortions and video.

The production focuses on both the beauty of the human form and the beauty of nature, music, scenography and life. The dancers have been described as “muscularly sculpted” and are decked with unique costumes and props. Pendleton selects each musical score to present a diverse offering from Vivaldi to New Age to birdsong.

The show is designed to be family friendly, an event everyone can come to and find something to be delighted about. In fact, Pendleton’s intention is that it is a show for all ages and all occasions. For children, he offers fun, magical props and costumes. For adults, he presents subtle beauty in the imagery. For young couples, he offers romance in simple duets. The show can allow for internal reflection for someone seeing it alone or discussion and debate about the mysteries and secrets of the show if experienced with a friend.

While this version of Opus Cactus is new, it originated in 2001. Pendleton created it as a 20-minute piece for the Ballet Arizona. After a 10-year rest period, Pendleton brought it out, breathed fresh energy into it and created a full-evening work out of it, featuring cactuses, slithering lizards and fire dancers.

“Artistic Director Moses Pendleton combines athleticism, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props, and pure talent to create an amazing multimedia experience,” reports Wharton’s website.

If you go

•MOMIX: Opus Cactus

•6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall

•1-800-WHARTON