Put eight men on stage in San Francisco, and questions arise. If they demonstrate any level of affection, more questions arise. Choreographer Scott Wells is presenting Men's Dance 07 at the ODC Theater this week, and context is an important part of how we will see the performance. While the choreographer didn't intend for the work to have a queer component, the very fact that it exists in San Francisco adds an interesting twist. Wells is a shrewd choreographer, and has never shied away from provocative work. Sexy without trying to be, this group of dancers is more likely to be wearing torn T-shirts and faded sweats than dancing in Calvin Klein briefs.
Scott Wells and Dancers is one of the most unpretentious companies in the Bay Area. Their combination of improvisation, acrobatics and topical themes has kept them going for 15 years. While some critics might wish for a slicker faade, Wells has stayed true to his roots, keeping a vibe that feels authentic.
When asked about the potential "queering" of Men's Dance 07, Wells responded, "I'm fascinated by society's outmoded or even ridiculous assumptions. My first choreographic effort was a duet with my best friend. I remember we tossed and fought over oranges, and the ending was a competitive circling of the last orange. We reached for it and came away holding hands, leaving the orange behind. I've always liked a gesture that is simple, basically innocent, but for some reason has a charge for an audience."
This year, Wells is presenting three pieces: Gym Mystics, which was originally choreographed on female dancers at Sonoma State and has been re-set on a group of seven men; crowd favorite HOME; and Men's Dance 07, which "is male-focused, with plenty of wrestling and affection, masculinity and romance. It has many sections, including games (tickling and strength contests), dance phrases set to pop music, and a wild section where the men are lifting each other."
HOME, with a co-ed cast, is a piece that Wells has been reconstructing over the past year. Originally developed in 1991, the piece has changed through the years but is probably the most popular piece that Wells has created. It features Kegan Marling, an award-nominated dancer who exudes on-stage charisma.
Male athleticism is a recurring theme in Wells' work. "I think my fascination with men's dances is an exploration of identity rather than about a political agenda. Having grown up on military bases, with two older brothers, a father in Vietnam, naturally, masculinity is a large issue in my sense of identity.
"I love working with dancers and making dances like nothing else. I wish I didn't worry about little stuff like getting posters out, and I find the system of grant-funding frustrating. Even if I get my fair share, it is extremely stingy or just scarce, and they usually make awards on superficial criteria."
Part stuntman, part provocateur, Wells is a popular teacher, specializing in contact improvisation, where dancers are trained to share weight, lift and move through space spontaneously. He uses contact improvisation to generate choreography, and dancers play a pivotal role in developing new work. When asked about his creative trajectory over the past 15 years, Wells answered, "What was once passionate obsession has evolved into an integrated practice."
Scott Wells & Dancers at ODC Theater, 3153 17th St., SF, June 21-23, 29, July 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets ($18-$20): (415) 863-9834 www.odctheater.org