This intimate dance duo is then followed by a stunning solo dance performance in which she incorporates abstract and modern aspects with smooth and gentle motions, as well as shaking her body vigorously in ecstatic motion, even resembling elements found in the Japanese Butoh dance.

To top it off, the final dance performance enchanted us with what you would have to call a modern, again “dirty dancing” version of a country-stlye line dance. This would already be a pretty awesome mix, but by wearing Venetian Carnival masks, the whole performance gained almost sort of an other-worldy character.

The genuine inventiveness and fresh approach of the Hysterica dance group is based on the original concept of aiming to create original dance works which are reflective of the current cultural landscape. The group focuses on exploring collaborations with other artists, filmmakers, fashion designers, composers and musicians. As Co-founder Ryan Heffington who has just worked with Berlin based musician/artist Peaches, he shows that the co-operations are not only on paper, but are actually challenged and realized. He also worked with Jessica Hundley to choreograph the dance performance for her music video of the band “Voy”.

At Hysterica Ryan has a dual role of co-artistic director and in-house costume designer, his work with Hysterica having been nominated for best male performance (2001) and best costume design (2004) by the Horton Awards. In 2005 Hysterica performed in such great venues as the REDCAT and the Disney Hall in Los Angeles.

Ryan also teaches dance at EDGE Performing Arts Center Hollywood and has moreover also launched his own fashion line “Rock ‘N Sissy” which is worn by the likes of Gwen Stephani, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Beck and Mick Jagger.

After this enchanting night, we are all too curious what kind of projects he is holding for us in the future.

Fingered at the Gulch
Date: January 12th, 2006
Place: Gower Gulch
Address:6114 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90028
https://www.myspace.com/fingered/