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Pilobolus “Symbiosis”

Pilobolus is a contemporary dance company based in Washington Depot, Connecticut. This group of individuals originated from Dartmouth College in Alison Becker Chase’s classroom in 1971. The original founding dancers were Robby Barnett, Alison Chase, Martha Clarke, Lee Harris, Moses Pendleton, and Jonathan Wolken. Their first Broadway debut was on November 1977 and was received with great acclaims. The basic configuration for the group is four men and two women.

The performances can be characterized as, exaggerated interaction between bodies, constantly glued together, bodies contorting, with a definite use of acrobatics and gymnastics. They utilize their bodies to morph into amazing visual and imaginative illusions. This group definitely broke and revolutionized the meaning of dance, “incorporating elements of acrobatics, gymnastics, a ribald sense of humor and powerful physicality. Unique, multi-bodied weight sharing, convoluted and clever visual illusion, cantilevered bodies jutting out in precarious balances are the hallmarks of this group…(McDermott)”

Another interesting fact is that pilobolus is a fungus found in cow manure. 

I am allured to this dance company because of how experimental, raw, and original they are in with their dances (I guess I could say I relate). This dance in particular Symbosis, is the one that introduced me to the group and blew my mind away. I have always been interested in ballet and different dances and seeing this definitely made me obsessed. Anyways I particularly love this performance, since it hints on human nature, the ecosystem, and evolution. Another thing that attracted me to it, is the tribal costume and make up styling, it’s a subject that I am currently searching right now for my portrait project. The lighting and color palette of the show is subdued and calm which I personally think, that helps to stay focused on their bodies as they morph from one amazing positon to another insane position. 

Now what is even more amazing is that they are coming to Adrienne Arsht Center in March! I am definitely splurging on a ticket, I have to go see them! 

Source: http://www.ballet-dance.com/200403/articles/pilobolus-dmcdermott.html