Mizerany Mixes Fluidity, Provocation

No one has ever accused dancer-choreographer Michael Mizerany of not taking risks. Besides making use of full frontal male nudity, heavy homosexual osculations and daring contortions that would do a yogi proud, Mizerany’s work also has a fluidity and core of authenticity that quickens the senses. Such was the case Thursday night at Highways Performance Space, when Mizerany Dance presented three provocative works.

“The Box,” a premiere set to Steve Reich’s Minimalist score, was a sensual duet between Mizerany and radiant Lisa Gillespie. Revolving around Marco De Leon’s prop--a large kinetic sculpture that could have been a coffee table, a perforated sarcophagus or Cleopatra’s barge, depending on its position--the pair alternately rocked in and around it. Away from the box, the couple also rocked: Mizerany hoisting Gillespie in a series of gravity-defying lifts before the couple moved in gentle unison.

A reworked “Necessary Depravity” found Mizerany, Bogar Martinez and Johnny Tu in a creepy scenario involving a stripper (Mizerany) and two captors who attempt to convert their gay prey to heterosexuality. Martinez, however--a closeted Calvin Klein model come to glorious life with leaping push-ups and frenzied hip-swiveling--lusts after Mizerany, while a steadfast Tu, as hellbent scientist, works his wicked wiles.

Mizerany’s Horton Award-winning 1996 solo “Bump in the Road,” usually performed by the choreographer, held up beautifully in Jeff Bulkley’s hyperactive, hilarious delivery.

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Mizerany Dance, Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica, tonight and Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (310) 315-1459. $16.