An Evening of ‘Songs’ and Sublimely Beautiful Movement

Terpsichorean gods and goddesses were on view Thursday at Highways Performance Space when Hysterica Dance Company and MizeranyDance! presented “Songs of Soft & Hard.” The evening’s reigning deity, however, was Michael Mizerany, who premiered his achingly beautiful “2 X 2” as if possessed.

The initial offering of the “2 X 2” suite, “First Kiss,” set to music of Mozart, featured the choreographer coupled with Jeff Bulkley in a sublime mating dance amplified by balancing feats and erotic caressing. Bach choral music accompanied the arresting “Prisons & Pedestals,” with Mizerany, clad in a dance belt, partnering the exquisite Carol Guidry in one daringly sumptuous lift after another.

Also looking splendid were Hysterica dancers Bubba Carr, Erin Giraud and Ryan Heffington in founder-choreographer Kitty McNamee’s premiere, “Plastique,” in which robotic arm gestures and athletic vamping prevailed. Other McNamee premieres: “Split,” with Lisa Eaton and Giraud executing hard-edged unisons and leaps; and “Man/Child/Woman,” a lyrical duet with R.J. Durell and Giraud.

Less successful was Carr’s premiere, “Watering Rufus,” set to a “nature soundtrack,” with Johanna Sapakie, Tara Schwartz and Kelly Shiren fluttering their arms, Shiva-like, and frolicking about sloppily.

Completing the program: Mizerany’s previously reviewed “Bump in the Road,” his frisky homage to the body beautiful; McNamee’s “The Sun,” a work in progress featuring Shari Nyce and Jamie Thompson in a sensual duet; and McNamee’s restaging of “Automanic DD,” a display of self-adoration featuring Durell, Eaton, Heffington and Nyce.

* “Songs of Soft & Hard” repeats tonight at Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica, 8:30 p.m. (310) 712-3441. $15.