Preto’s unique brand of contact partnering is born of his immersion in Body/Mind Centering, a somatic practice that, in part, reapplies to adults the developmental movement patterns humans progress through from the womb. “Swimming” and “After the Collapse” hint at an organic physicality, while the polka-influenced “It Never Gets Old” proves that the hallmark playfulness of the local contact community is alive and well. Then there’s the curious “Dancing with Myself,” an improvised duet between a real dancer and a projected dancer manipulated by in-the-moment video editing. Seems Preto’s approach echoes what CI practitioners have claimed for years: Things get more interesting when you’re willing to leave a little to chance.
Feb. 28-March 1, 8 p.m., 2009
