JUMP! Leaps Into the Yard

Last spring, the performance artist, dancer and choreographer Mary Paula Hunter staked out a storefront window space in New York city and covered herself and her fellow dancers in food products. The commissioned piece was called We Are Karen Finley, after the outrageous, and oft labeled obscene, legendary performance artist.

This weekend Mary Paula Hunter arrives at the Yard with a group of youthful collaborators in a program entitled JUMP!

The connection between kids and Karen Finley may sound dubious, but that’s only on first glance.

JUMP! is actually celebrating its 10th anniversary and has performed all around Providence, including City Hall, the Children’s Museum and Firehouse 13. The company was founded to give young dancers the opportunity to learn to choreograph and to create a body of work as an ensemble. Whether working with youth, adults or on her own, Ms. Hunter always relishes the quirky and avant garde. One of the dance pieces on display this weekend will be Sarahbot, created in response to a certain recent politico dynamo from Alaska.

The performance takes place Saturday, Sept. 11 with a free family matinee at 4 p.m. and a full show at 8 p.m. Tickets for the evening performance are $50 for premium seating; $25 for general seating; and $15 for seniors and those under 30.

For reservations or details, call 508-645-9662 or see dancetheyard.org.