An ancient Greek myth and coping with personal loss are two stories that will be told through modern dance at a performance this weekend.

“Air and Amor” and “Cut Here” are two pieces that will be part of a performance by local dance groups Co’ Motion Dance Theater and Hurley and Dancers.

” ‘Air and Amor’ is a re-dancing of the story of Cupid and Psyche,” says Valerie Williams, director of Co’ Motion Dance Theater. “We’re doing more than just telling the story — we’re illustrating the story through dance.”

The performance follows the relationship between Cupid and Psyche, as well as their relationships with family members.

“Psyche is a beautiful young woman who doesn’t understand why people are intimidated by her beauty,” says Williams, who choreographed the piece. “The sisters are of moderate charms and are jealous of her.”

Since jealousy and vengefulness are timeless concepts, Williams says the production has a contemporary feel, which is reflected in the sets, music and modern costumes.

“Since the sisters are of moderate charms, they are dressed more moderately, but still in contemporary clothes,” Williams says.

The score was created for the dance by composer Bob Reselman, an Iowa native. Williams describes the music as lush, very tuneful and rhythmic.

“It’s electronic music, but some is acoustic,” she says. “It’s not difficult to listen to, but it definitely isn’t classical music.”

In addition to the musical themes representing each character, specific visual themes will also highlight the performance. The set will be a video projected behind the performers.

“The video will have colors, flowers and imagery — some abstract, some concrete,” Williams says. “The gods, like Venus, will be larger than life.” The dancers will also be projected on the video screens at sizes of 10 to 14 feet tall.

Beth Danowsky, who plays the character of Psyche, is excited about being involved with such a cutting-edge show.

“The fusion of technology and media is really interesting,” says Danowsky, sophomore in dietetics. “[Williams] has been doing a lot of innovative things by incorporating dance with technology.”

Danowsky, who says she has been dancing since the age of 4, says the use of people as props and the symbolism of the piece are very exciting. The second performance will be a piece choreographed by Kathleen Hurley, titled “Cut Here.” It will be performed by her Des Moines-based dance company, Hurley and Dancers.

“The performance is a series of duets, trios and group pieces all rolled into one,” Hurley says.

The story is based on an accident Hurley’s mother had, how she dealt with it and came out on the positive side.

“It’s really about how people help each other, interrelate with each other and come to a place of healing,” she says.

Original music by Kim Fitch was created for “Cut Here.”

“It’s not house music, but with all of the kinds of sounds and music it is not something you would encounter on a daily basis,” Hurley says. “Kim has incorporated [the dancers’] voices into the music. “There will be snippets of text, laughing and conversations that make it feel like a memory.”

Because of the play’s tone, Hurley says “Cut Here” will not have elaborate set or costume designs like “Air and Amor.”

“The performance is very simple,” Hurley says. “Just music and dance.”

Who: “Air and Amor,” “Cut Here”

Where: Ames City Auditorium

When:8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $7 students, $10 public