Under Construction

Fri. and Sat., June 1 and 2, 8 p.m., Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St.

by Deni Kasrel

dance

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Experiments are by nature unpredictable. So it's tough to know just what to expect from Under Construction, an experimental program generated from a series of residencies conducted at the Painted Bride Art Center whereby four choreographers basically turned their creative process into an open laboratory. Including workshops, exhibitions and master classes, each facet encouraged and responded to direct feedback from participating artists and audience members. The results of this give and take are on display at a final showcase of works-in-progress by Montazh Performing Arts Company, Olive Dance Theater, Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Tania Isaac Dance. The first three share a hip-hop aesthetic while Isaac's work is influenced by her native Caribbean culture. Breakin', house and assorted pan-African traditions are explored in assorted ways as devised by these highly individualistic performers. Eventually these pieces may turn into polished dance works, but for now, this one's more about the journey than the destination.

Fri. and Sat., June 1 and 2, 8 p.m., $20, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.