Love and violence can be an odd combination when it comes to a relationship. But when it comes to dance, it just might work. 

The dance, “Love and Violence,” was orchestrated, choreographed, and performed by Tina Mullone, associate professor of dance, and Mel Mobley, associate professor of music and holder of the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Endowed Professorship in Music.

This spring, Mobley and Mullone collaborated on “Babel,”  a student-oriented piece. They decided to take their work “Love and Violence” on the road.

The music in the piece shows the contrast of extremes but also how extremes can work well together. There was a deeper inspiration than musical extremes. 

“We started talking about relationships and the extremities of those relationships, so even though you’re talking about two extremes of love and violence it really is more of an abstract idea,” Mullone said.

The work was personal for Mullone. She described the various emotions and flashbacks she had while preparing. 

Mobley also said the piece generated emotions throughout viewers and performers. 

 “It is a very emotional art form, and hopefully a very emotional piece,” Mobley said.

Other showcases performed at the festival displayed different genres. Some were solely video and some were interactive. 

“Love and Violence” is a live performance but has an abstract video in the background. It incorporated the use of technology.

At some points in the performance, the two took the opposite role. This led to extra preparation since neither had much experience with their opposite roles.

The two are considering collaborating again. The Modern Dance Festival is held at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.