Geeksdanz

PITTSBURGH -- Dictionary.com lists three definitions of geek:  One is, of course, "the computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders)." Then there's "a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual." But the zinger definition is "a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken."

Hmmm. 

A wide range but not a lot of options.

Geeksdanz is a contemporary dance company in its infancy, and it's led by artistic director, Ellen Deutsch. Her definition of geek goes something like this:  A geek is a person who has a passionate interest in ANY topic, often to a near-obsessive level, and doesn't care what anybody else thinks about it. Dance is her life, thus, she's a geek who dances (or danzes). 

She's been auditioning dancers who will "make" dances at Pittsburgh's Second Annual Mini Maker Faire on September 22 at Buhl Community Park on the North Side. Sophia, Patty, Jamie and Lamar are part of Geeksdanz so far. I guarantee that none of them were asked to bite the head off a chicken.

Ellen at left.

Audition at the Pittsburgh Dance Center in Bloomfield.

Improvisational dance in Frick Park.