This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Odyssey Dance Theatre dancers work too hard. All of them are onstage, dancing all the time. Somebody should go on strike and take a break. It would provide a change in dynamics, give the eye a rest and allow time to explore the concept - all basics of successful choreography.

ODT has fabulous dancers and some equally fabulous choreography. But by the fourth piece, I'm on sensory overload. Also, this company has to decide whether it's a mom-and-pop outfit or a professional company. It's infuriating to see such wonderful dancers look like a studio dance competition team.

The first piece in its current show, "Shut Up And Dance," Mia Michaels' "Shed My Skin," is a wonderful vehicle for the company, blending ballet technique and hip-hop movement with a modern sensibility. Michaels mixes ensemble sections with solos and duets in a well-crafted composition. It would get an A-plus from any modern dance professor, but it's also entertaining. Music by Bach provides organization and orderliness as dancer Thayne Jasperson attacks the movement, clearly interpreting both the intended humor and depth.

"Soul Catchers," by Mandy Moore, is another good piece for ODT, although it too is flawed by having all the dancers on stage all the time. It is set to techno music and depicts love in the future. Dancer Cameron Nelson's movement is magnificent as his upper body arches back and opens wide across the chest.

The duet "Motif," choreographed by ODT artistic director Derryl Yeager, showcases the supple body of the female performer. Thursday night it was Marilee Glazier whose stretch exceeded expectation, ending in upside-down splits.

Another work by Michaels, "Transitional Illumination," seems to have lost its original intent, although lousy seating in Kingsbury Hall could be to blame. None of the floor work could be seen even though the dance is constructed around a lighted diagonal pathway on the floor. Lead dancer Christina Bluth oversold the movement, while Heather Phillips exuded the right wild energy.

The second half of the program jacked the themes and music from the movie "Moulin Rouge" but wasn't original in any way. Why does Yeager keep making dances out of musicals and movies, minus the singing? Either dance or produce a musical.

The title of the repertory evening, "Shut Up and Dance," has to change. Although I appreciate the sentiment, a reaction to the '70s and '80s, when dancers talked and analyzed more than they moved, it is time to re-title in keeping with the current era.

'Shut Up and Dance'

* WHERE: Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City

* WHEN: Thursday; continues Monday through March 31. Visit http://www.odysseydance.com for program schedule.

* RUNNING TIME: Two hours, with pauses for costume changes and one 10-minute intermission

* TICKETS: $15-$35, available by calling 801-581-7100 or at the door

* BOTTOM LINE: Another Odyssey fun-for-the-whole family show. Entertaining, but needs some artistic trimming.