2004 – Shocked and Odd – Live Art was an idea encouraging extreme movement and character concepts for improvisation that took place in DC with several of the worlds best improvising dancers.   Withers states, “Without a question, performing with these astonishing dancers was one of the highlights of my improvising career.  Each of these men brought something so profound to the group.  A gift never to be forgotten.  This makes choreographed dance feel oddly blocked. What great fun and serious fun with deliberate and exhausting chaos.!” (Maida Withers)

International guest artists, Nikolai Shchetnev (Russia), Vincent Cacalano (The Netherlands) and guests, Cyrus Khambatta (Seattle),  Maida Withers (DC) and members of GW’s Washington Free Collaboration (DC), Wendell Cooper, Nicholette Routhier, Joe Venti, Amberlee Woods, improvised Shocked and Odd for two evening performances for the DC 10th International Improvisation Plus+ Festival, Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre, Washington, DC (Dec. 3 and 4, 2004). Musicians: Peter Fraize, saxophone; Steven C Hilmy, electronics; Jim Levy, keyboard.