Choreographer Peter DiMuro Finds Joy in Being a 'Funny Uncle' with Annual Show

Choreographer Peter DiMuro brings his annual "Funny Uncle Cabaret" to Cambridge, MA this weekend. EDGE spoke to DiMuro about being a 'funny uncle' and why the show is important to the queer community.

Peter DiMuro started dancing professionally at the height of the AIDS crisis. He had also recently come out at that time. He worked with Dance Exchange, founded by MacArthur "genius" award winner Liz Lerman, and eventually ending up as artistic director of the company. He subsequently formed his own company, Public Displays of Motion, as well as becoming the artistic director of The Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA. At the heart of both businesses is his commitment to approach dance in unconventional ways, not the strict adherence to perfection – both physically and aesthetically – that is watch cry of professional ballet; but the looser, more radical notion that dancers can come from all aspects of contemporary life. And different abled-bodies deserve their spot on the dance floor.

It is relating dance to every day lives that comes to mind when describing his "Funny Uncle Cabaret," an annual event DiMuro sponsors and puts together every holiday season in which he relates his own experiences playing the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer in productions of the "Nutcracker" with his own experiences as an uncle, having adopted his niece in a lengthy process. The theme of alternative families, particularly for LGBTQIA+ people, weaves throughout the show. Act Two includes music and performances by prominent members of Boston's vibrant cabaret and drag communities.

This year is no exception. Joining DiMuro are such Boston's queer luminaries as drag performers Mizery and Linda Marie Possa, and singer Robert McFletcher Jones as well as long-time Public Displays of Motion collaborators Irene Lutts, Ann Fonte, Kristin Wagner & Tony Guglietti, and others. Vermont-based dancer Christal Brown joins as a special guest.

Peter DiMuro and his company Public Displays of Motion (PDM), present "Funny Uncle Cabaret" on Saturday, December 14 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m. in Studio 7 at The Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA. For more details, follow this link.

EDGE spoke to DiMuro about the show.