Extend your mind by watching human bodies contort into different shapes through hula-hoops or seeing performers bend themselves into unique positions. These are the tricks of Momix, a company of dancer-illusionists, who will perform at Stephens Auditorium on Friday.

Momix, formed 25 years ago, is well known for creating amazing images that use props, lights, costumes, and most uniquely, human bodies as part of its routine.

The founder and choreographer of Momix, Moses Pendleton, said the group was originally formed after he performed a piece of the same name at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

“I wanted my own troupe,” Pendleton said. “I was very interested in athletics, and how I could incorporate that into the routine.”

The result of Pendleton’s idea was Momix, whose routines are mainly inspired by athletic style instead of just dancing technique and training. Momix also incorporates sculpture, sport and visual art elements into its routines.

Props are an essential element to Momix because they add drama to the show.

“This is not a normal dance show. There’s more excitement because we use props, and [props] extend the range the body can move,” Pendleton said.

In addition to the props, Momix is different because there are several pieces that create an entire show. Because there are individual pieces, each performer has the opportunity to bring a different element to the overall performance.

“Each piece creates a story by using the body to do amazing things,” Pendleton said. “It’s all about emotion.”

Momix is not as theatrical as typical dance troupes. While there is often a distinct theme to a show, such as “baseball” or “lunar sea,” there is not a specific plot. This leaves the audience to develop their own emotions toward the pieces.

Performances often contain a heightened sense of physicality and surprise; humor is also evident throughout the show.

Pendleton explains: “There’s often a cinematic feeling to the shows because of all the elements.”

The most unique aspect of Momix is its name, which is a compilation of various ideas. Originally, Pendleton got the name “Momix” from a milk supplement for veal calves he raised as a boy. The name was also taken from Pendleton’s 1980 Winter Olympic performance.

Eventually, the name evolved by taking “Mo” and “mixing whatever else I wanted with it, whether it was props or costumes. Mo-mix,” Pendleton explained.

There are currently 350 members of the Momix company, and the members are equally divided between multiple shows. The shows include “Baseball,” “Momix in Orbit,” “Opus Cactus,” “Passion,” and a European show. There is also a compilation show, which is a montage of all the shows currently being performed.

In order to join the company, a dancer must audition; however, there are several other requirements Pendleton looks for.

“They must be able to laugh at the director’s jokes,” Pendleton said with a laugh himself.

It’s also very important that a potential member has a certain physicality and vibrancy as an artist and is willing to take risks as part of the Momix company.

“It’s about freeing the mind,” Pendleton said. “If they can free the mind, they can free the body and will fit in perfectly at Momix.”

Momix has performed around the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico, Europe, South America, Asia and Australia.

In addition to performing around the world, Momix was featured in one of the first IMAX movies. The company was filmed underwater and upside down, giving it an “Alice in Wonderland” feel.

“It was very nice, and the clarity of an IMAX screen is amaz-

ing,” Pendleton said.

Momix was also featured on PBS’s “Dance in America” series, as well as several other major television performances.

This spectacular dance company is all about the “body doing amazing things [and] putting emotion into dance,” Pendleton said.