Everyone starts somewhere, but where? Visionary Dance Theatre provides a professional performance platform for dancers in training. You might not have heard of the La Mesa-based group, but emerging dancers are attracted to its open creative process.

The 22 dances, with music from Apocalyptica to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, in Visionary's debut of Planet CARMEN included a DJ on stage, costumes, props, and passionate young men and women. It is dance-theater with an absurd edge about the creation of a universe. Artistic Director Spencer John Powell explained, before this weekend's show at the City Heights Performance Annex, that performers and CARMEN are both works in process. The troupe will be fine-tuning till 2013.

How do you shape a rough production and take it from recital mode to concert? To start, edit the two-hour program down to one. And definitely keep scene two, which offers vibrant personalities and unison. The diverse group squeezes together for a family photo and quickly breaks into couples. There is an air of naughtiness as they engage in soft core grinding, but it's harmless.

The second half focuses on solos and duets, personal struggles and relationships. The choreography is upbeat with lots of turns, changing direction, and hip-hop gyrations. But it's hard to get past the wobbles and floppy feet in leaps and extensions. The music is also problematic. There are too many dances built around lyrics, and creates literal movement. Dances are too long and lose intensity -- instead of sharp little snapshots, performers dance until the song ends.

While formal technique is not their specialty yet, the men and women display strength and flexibility. In one duet, a muscled man lifts his tiny partner with ease. He twists and swings her with gentle hands, yet he could have lifted a small car. The same man isolates his rippling torso and springs into the air like a cat on hot pavement. Another man scoops up his male partner stool and all, a spontaneous and playful stunt that speaks to the impulsiveness of young men.

Two women dance en pointe, but there is limited footwork and the shoes are almost a prop. Their specialty is gymnastics with bursts of turns in internally motivated solos. A taller blonde woman is the most versatile, with line and focus that show previous dance training.

A mature Diana Valero as Carmen leads the group, a cross between a circus ringleader and a cape-twirling Von Rothbart from Swan Lake. Listed as Artistic Consultant, her movement channels Flamenco, go-go dancers, and a dominatrix. She stirs the pot with long poles, a sorceress in brilliant orange and broach, and appears too often.

Planet CARMEN is a work in process, and that entails editing and many more rehearsals. Costumes by Lea are simple yet eye-catching. Sound mixed in real time is an appealing element. There are promising sections that make distinct statements about sexuality and morality, but they get lost in the dense program. The finale, which should come in hour one, drags on and by then the company runs out of exciting tricks.

Still, Visionary has a youthful freshness that is infectious, and in addition to a new CARMEN, one can expect to see more from the group in the future. It is holding auditions March 25, and all positions are paid. A spring concert is set for the Lyceum downtown. And guest choreographer Daniel Marshall will set work for men.

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