Into the deep end with EXCAVATE BODY’s ‘alternate endings’

EXCAVATE BODY, founded by Jacqui Hinkson, is a dance company that explores the space between effortless movement and visible labor. Its work balances floating in the unknown by diving into the deep end of physical rigor to create a push and pull. It draws audiences into the tension, asking them to feel, to question and to surrender. 

I had no clue just how far off into the deep end I’d find myself when I sat down with a small audience to preview EXCAVATE BODY’s performance of alternate endings. Dancers Andie Knudson (also a company assistant), Madison Lee, Leah Behm and Charlotte Angermeier took to the stage, alternating between precise technical movements and beautifully organized chaos. Amazed, I found myself considering the body’s ability to evoke reactions and emotions through movement alone. 

Throughout the performance, I found myself leaning in — intrigued, curious and hungry for what would come next. I loved how the dancers moved on and off of the stage, sometimes only one of them on the stage, sometimes all four. I found the repetition of movements and wondered about some of the compelling elements such as the colors of the dancers’ outfits. Slowly, I started to form my own understanding of the story behind the dance, the logical part of my brain eager to connect the puzzle pieces. Each time I thought I understood, an aspect of the dance caused me to doubt my meaning. But that’s the thing about art: It’s subjective. We can all gain different understandings from a body of work, and that’s part of the beauty. 

“The work is largely based on themes of time, nonlinear storytelling and considering endings — looking at microscopic and macroscopic ideas of ‘the end,’” said Hinkson. “Partnered moments for the dancers were intentional in creating relationships between characters, and the colors are indeed specific, intentional and hold symbolic meaning for each character. I will leave the rest to the audience, and let them sit with that symbolism!”

In the performance, dancers were sometimes silent, periodically making percussive noises in such a way as to pull me out of my hypnotic state — and punctuated by music that at times ramped up the tension. All of the elements working together created a beautiful and experimental body of work, loaded with symbolism, amazing technical skill and mastery.

Parker Bradford, the performance’s sound artist, and Hinkson, the artistic director, shared their thoughts after the performance. We discussed how one of the dancers, Madison, would pull at their stomach at various moments during the performance.“It was striking,” said Bradford. I agreed. In fact, if I had to sum up this body of work into one word, I’d use the same one — “striking.” 

“We started processing this show in May, and this has been our longest process,” said Hinkson. “We usually get closer to six months, so it’s been nice to dig in with this performance.” She also said that for viewers, “What you connect to tells you something about yourself,” and, after watching the performance myself, I agree wholeheartedly.

In 2023, Hinkson premiered her first evening-length work, AVALANCHE, at Windmill Arts, later officially founding EXCAVATE BODY, which then became a resident company at Windmill Arts. She and the company are now entering their third official season, and this will be their third completed body of work, following a performance of Crash Test in 2024. 

Alternate endings explores nonlinear storytelling through shifting characters and themes of rising, falling and fate. Performed by four powerful Atlanta-based movement artists, the work draws audiences into a world shaped by rigorous choreography, evocative sound and subtle theatrical elements. True to its title, the piece will be presented in two different orders, inviting viewers to notice how rearranging the same material changes meaning and memory.

The show runs February 6 and February 7 at Windmill Arts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $22 to $30. Attend both nights if you can; each version offers a different experience.

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Jhazzmyn Joiner (aka Jhazzy) is a writer, poet and creative spirit with a soft spot for storytelling that uplifts community voices. She’s the editor-in-chief of Three Panels Press and leads communications at L’Arche Atlanta. With a background in gerontology, media and making meaning out of everyday moments, her work lives at the intersection of art, equity and expression. A singer, traveler, and lover of bold ideas, she’s often deep in a playlist, scribbling a poem or wandering an art show, dreaming up her next big project.