The house lights go dark and a spotlight shines on a single, giant egg in the center of the stage. Slowly the egg starts to move, it rumbles, and then suddenly cracks. Dancers representing insects slowly emerge from the pod. Flowers grow, feeding the emerging butterflies, and the cute baby insects become fodder for others further up the food chain. Spring is back, which slowly gives way to Summer, and with it, a Spiderwoman who kills to feed her baby. The vengeful Summer sun then burns the human lobsters splayed out on the beach, and as Autumn settles in, Miss Allergy 2004 is crowned against a coughing and sneezing soundtrack provided by the French group Ninetyeleven. The Sun dances and makes love to the Winter Queen in a beautiful, power-struggle duet. Soon, snowflakes fall violently, and the Winter Queen realizes she is pregnant. In disgust, she tries to harm her “deformed” body, but after a struggle, the Queen gives birth to an egg, completing the cycle.

When eggs are metaphors for life, insects dance, dancers sneeze, and talking fantasy figures prance around the stage in extravagant outfits worthy of club kids, you know you’re in the creative and capable hands of Saba Dance Theater. Known for mixing ballet with modern dance, hip hop, acting and singing, all dressed in elaborate costumes, Saba Dance Theater is celebrating its fourth season with the world premiere of “The Four Seasons.” Inspired in part by the music of Antonio Vivaldi, this original work also features selections from the Punk/Alternative group Rammstein, the classic samba song “The Girl from Ipanema,” a collaboration with the French group Ninetyeleven, and music composed for Saba Dance Theater by contemporary American composer Malina Rauschelfelds.

At the helm of these wonderfully demented theatrics is Saba, a French import and former principal Martha Graham dancer who delights in poking fun at our foibles, while celebrating life and the sheer beauty of dance in all its forms. Taking his inspiration from fashion, music, and artÑeven a classic movie or twoÑSaba creates spectacles that also sneak in a dose of morality. “The stupidities of our world and our rulers give me the need to entertain people,” comments Saba. “With all the horrors of our world, it is my duty as an artist to create something beautiful so that we can forget our troubles for a couple of hours.” With over-the-top costumes—all of which Saba designs and makes by handÑthat would not be out of place in a Richard Foreman play and a slap-happy dose of fun, a Saba production makes it easy to sit back, enjoy the ride, and take a mini-vacation from life for a few hours. Says Saba, “After a Saba show, I would like people to go home feeling their life is better for a few days, or even just a few hours.”