Something other than alternative music will be appearing in Des Moines this weekend. The choreographic dynamo Greg Neuman and his troupe of dancers have been gearing up for another experiment in artistic dance and self-expression.

The Neuman Project, a professional dance company, will be premiering newly created works and classic favorites in its fifth annual summer performance Friday night.

Precisely which “classic favorites” was still being decided at press time. “We’re making some last-minute adjustments to the program,” production coordinator Carol Tetmeyer said.

The show’s itinerary depends on whom you talk to. Tetmeyer lists Flight, Wasshoi and The Homesteader as the classic works performed. In addition, the new works of Polarities and Little Women, a piece based on Louisa M. Alcott’s novel, will be showcased.

The ability to cope with the uncertainty of the program proves how versatile and adaptive Neuman’s performers are. “I don’t even know all of the music yet. I think Greg knows all the music,” dancer Elizabeth Harano said.

But Harano and the other performers aren’t concerned about the ambiguity. The Neuman Project is used to doing things a little differently. Adaptation has been essential this past year while artistic director and founder Greg Neuman has been in Florida directing the Sarasota Ballet. His temporary absence has assigned the task of personal training to the performers.

“The dancers rehearsed themselves. They have the freedom and responsibility for their own performance,” Central Iowa Dance Studio owner Hank Adams said.

Adams will be dancing in this weekend’s production alongside his wife, Elizabeth Harano.

“Hank and I met while dancing in The Neuman Project, so we invited The Neuman Project to dance at our wedding reception. Wasshoi was a piece choreographed by Greg specifically for our wedding,” Harano explained.

It is also the piece’s debut in central Iowa. “Wasshoi has been performed in Chicago, but never in Des Moines,” Neuman added.

Choreographing wedding dances are only one of Neuman’s talents. He is a master at combining various arts and artists into his works. The Neuman Project was founded in 1992 with the piece Voices and Visions, an experiment involving poetry and dance.

While this weekend’s production doesn’t contain poetry, it does utilize guest vocalist and musician Robin Jons. Polarities, one of the new works, is an experiment with original music combined with Neuman’s storytelling choreography.

“We will be having an improvisational musical segment with African rhythms and gospel singers,” Jons explained.

The music isn’t the only original aspect of this show. “This show is something new for the project. It’s geared more toward families and children. We’re doing something that tells a distinct story,” Harano said.

The Neuman Project, involving both amateurs and professionals, was founded on the idea of trusting the performance to the performers.

“One of our strengths is that we use people from all over. We are a collaborative organization and we’re constantly drawing from different sources in the arts. Often the only common thread among us is dance,” Adams said.

Diversity and creativity are the watchwords for any dancer in The Neuman Project. “A dancer gets involved by showing up. I don’t tell anyone they can’t do it. I tell them to try it. Just try it and see what happens,” Neuman said.

Neuman encourages his performers to trust their instincts. “I don’t believe in telling dancers what to do. Dancers are trained to follow instructions until it becomes automatic and stifling. I try to break that habit. I want them to be more comfortable and creative,” Neuman said.

According to a recent press release, The Neuman Project was founded to perform, educate and promote public awareness about dance and related arts throughout the state. Unfortunately, such lofty goals for a nonprofit organization can be difficult to attain.

But Neuman doesn’t fret over the lack of financial support. He is more concerned with reaching his audience. “When I create, it’s in the moment. If I’m thinking about it, or if I’m thinking what I’m doing is right or wrong, then I’m not doing my job. This work is a part of me. It’s what I do best,” Neuman explained.

Fortunately for Iowa, Neuman is intending to spend more time in Des Moines.

“A lot of wonderful things are happening with the company. I know my mission is here,” Neuman said.

The Neuman Project will be performing at Grand View College Theater, 2811 East 14th Street in Des Moines. Show times are at 8 p.m. on June 28 and 29. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students.

A companion show featuring Alice in Wonderland occurs on the same days at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children’s show tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for students.

For more information contact the Central Iowa Dance Studio at 252-0849 or the Grand View box office at 263-2892.