Groovaloo

March 9-14, $25-$59.50, Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-731-3333, kimmelcenter.org.

by Emily Currier

Levi Walker

dance

Fresh from guesting on So You Think You Can Dance in December, the Groovaloos are breaking and battling their way to Philly. Formed in 1999, the dance troupe draws on styles from Los Angeles and New York City, perfecting their technique in improvised "groove nights." This production will be a sort of hip-hop Chorus Line, says director Danny Cistone, with choreography based on the dancers' life experiences. Interviews collected over seven years are mixed with heart-pounding music as the dancers use hip-hop, breakdancing and other modern styles to bring their stories to life. "There are no special effects in the show," says Cistone — "their bodies are the special effects." Visual treats aside, expect dances expressing obstacles overcome, including devastating injuries and poverty. "Life isn't choreographed," Cistone says. "You can plan things out, but you still sometimes have to improvise."