Politics of dancing

Alexandra Beller highlights "Bodies in Motion."
By Rita Felciano

BIG MOVES, the service organization that promotes size diversity, has a slogan: "Every body can dance." Even though to dance is to be human, this statement may not be obvious to all those dancers who, for one reason or another – size, skin color, cultural background, disability, age – have traditionally felt unwelcome in dance classes. But Big Moves has another slogan: "What is more important, the size of the leotard or the scope of the talent?" One of these sayings deals with a basic human right, the other with dance onstage. Big Moves' most recent concert, "Bodies in Motion V: Five Years Running," beautifully illustrated that size matters – and that it doesn't.

The Oct. 14 program featured solos by guest choreographer and dancer Alexandra Beller, formerly of the Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company. Additionally, the show presented Mass Movement, a local company, in two commissioned works, by Sonoma County choreographer Ann Woodhead and Chris Black of Potrzebie Dance Project, respectively.