Dance troupe fills blank canvas with choreography

Comedian Steve Martin once observed that writing about music is as difficult as “dancing about architecture.” Auburn's Absolute Dance Company will take a few steps toward the latter task with its next performance.

On Saturday, the company will marry the static world of visual arts with the kinetic energy of dance in “Pieces of Art.” The company's 12 dancers have chosen a wide array of works from local artists, including sculptures and oil paintings. Taking inspiration from the works, the dancers have designed choreography that expresses the mood of the art or narrates a story behind it.

“Some pieces are beautiful, tranquil and calm, but others are much more disturbing,” said Yvonne Hassett, founder and artistic director of the Absolute Dance Company. “They represent a wide array of personalities and feelings.”