Review: Bodiography impressively choreographed

Unlike dance theater groups, Bodiography Contemporary Ballet draws much of its appeal from the expressive classic steps and use of arms of ballet. The all-female group's Innovation 2009 show, seen Saturday night at the Byham Theater, Downtown, featured enjoyable examples of its style from three choreographers.

"Heart Songs" by Lynne Taylor-Corbett cleverly used sheets as props to define roles women live, including bed sheets, prayer shawls and rags to wash floors. These provided the context for the expressive solos and ensemble work.

The emotional impact of Ilana Suprun-Clyde's "For My Father" was achieved by the choreographer's balancing of lonely solos performed by company director Maria Caruso and Lauren Suflita with shared reassurance.

Caruso's "Something About Nothing" to music by Pink Floyd included the evening's most exuberant dance. "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" featured the dancers' strutting their stuff in a non-sophisticated way that brought to mind the world of "Li'l Abner," while the finale to the band's "High Hopes" provided the requisite excitement for the finale. By contrast, "Marooned" was a solo in which the nature of the introspection achieved by Lauren Suflita made her sensuality anything but tawdry.