In 1990 an American gymnast, an Australian sheep shearer and a Canadian figure skater came together to create Motus-O Dance Theatre. That diversity has become the essence of Motus-O. This dynamic team explores the dramatic and relishes the physical, and all with humour.

Motus-O is Latin for “the method of movement”. In the words of artistic directors James Croker, Cindy Croker and Jack Langenhuizen, “we want to know the meaning of every movement and to move as if it has meaning.”

On Wednesday at 8 p.m., Motus-O will present “Variations in Love”. Nothing has intrigued, inspired or frustrated humans more through history than the elusive emotion love.

“Variations in Love” examines love in energetic and profoundly humorous short works.

Artistic Director Susan Hoover saw parts of this show last year in Summerside PEI. “The minute I saw these dancers I wanted them for the Osprey. The physicality of their contact improvisation style and the theatrical nature of their show told me this work would appeal to the athlete in all of us, while engaging our love of theatre.”

Those who attend the workshops will be introduced to contact improvisation, and will explore its uses to dramatize ideas. Students in the high schools will also have the chance to see the dancers perform short pieces and then ask questions. Motus-O hopes to choreograph a short work with some of the workshop attendees to open their show on Wednesday evening.

Tickets are $15, available at the Whirligig, 875-1117, and at the door at 7:30 p.m.