Patrick Neas, Special to The Kansas City Star

In dance the human body is living clay, which the choreographer uses to create his or her art.

Flesh and bone are transformed into an idealized body that can leap into the air and land without a sound. It can engage in the most vigorous movement without huffing and puffing.

Choreographer Jennifer Owen and her husband, composer Brad Cox, aim to turn this paradigm on its head with their latest collaboration, “A Body of Work.” The Owen/Cox Dance Group will offer three performances beginning Thursday at the La Esquina gallery.

Luke Ranker, Special to The Kansas City Star

In its second year, Johnson County Community College’s New Dance Partners has expanded from just two performances at the college to a month of events ranging from downtown Overland Park to the JCCC campus.

Emily Behrmann, general manager of the JCCC performing arts series, said the expanded event is designed to raise awareness about local arts while boosting the downtown economy. Throughout September, dance-related events will be held in downtown venues like the InterUrban ArtHouse, Overland Park Farmers’ Market and Local Life’s Third Fridays.