Modern dance choreography is ever-evolving, taking dance to a new level with the creation of new dance vocabulary.
Pilobilus dance company is one company that has made significant contributions to the growth of modern dance.
The company is often recognizable by sight as they often create dynamic human sculptures with their bodies.
Dancers fuse their bodies together, creating shapes, including a giant skull.
Dancers work together, playing with gravity and weight transference to build these forms.
The company is also known for their energy, athleticism, humor, and unique choreography.
The company began in 1971 as a group of four men, and two women.
The dancers lived together communally in New Hampshire, and choreographed collaboratively.
In their own words, they " Made our own circus then ran away and joined it".
The desire to do things differently drove them to create an entirely new dance vocabulary with entirely new names, such as galloping sofas, fat gnomes, and body floss.
At times, dancers climb up and over each other, and balance on each others' bodies.
It all boils down to strength, skill, timing, and absolute faith in your partner.
The original group of dancers later became artistic directors and choreographers, and today's dancers are still choreographing as a team.
The creation of each piece begins with improvisation and playing in the studio.
They start building movements together, then show them to the directors, who shape it into finished work.
Pilobilus dancers are said to be some of the strongest, most versatile dancers in the business.
It can also be said that they are strong in character as well, for the choreography demands a level of intimacy that leaves no room for embarrassment: a face in another's butt, or groin, the grabbing any and all appendages, or a foot in someone's face are all part of a day at work.