DanceHouse brings globally celebrated dance company BODYTRAFFIC back to Vancouver
The boundary-pushing L.A.-based troupe will perform a selection of their most celebrated works
Post Sponsored by dancehouse
Matthew Neenan’s A Million Voices.
Los Angeles is widely recognized as an exciting hub of international dance, partly due to the efforts of BODYTRAFFIC. The L.A. company pushes boundaries, recruiting dancers and choreographers from around the globe to create their world-class contemporary repertory. This May they’re bringing Mixed Repertoire, a selection of their most celebrated works, to Vancouver.
Founded in 2007 by Lillian Rose Barbeito and Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company is known for its incredible dancers with the ability to embody many choreographic languages, unafraid to take on any dance style from hip hop to ballet.
Finkelman Berkett, now the sole Artistic Director of BODYTRAFFIC, began her dance career with Alberta’s Aszure Barton, and went on to become a founding member of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s Hell’s Kitchen Dance.
The last time BODYTRAFFIC came to Vancouver was in 2015. After two years of COVID-19 interrupting artists' plans, the versatile company is looking forward to visiting international cities again.
Mixed Repertoire features a selection of works by exceptional contemporary choreographers.
SNAP by Micaela Taylor.
First, Matthew Neenan’s upbeat A Million Voices is inspired by iconic jazz singer Peggy Lee, in response to the political climate of her time. Featuring Lee’s beloved music, this ensemble work is lighthearted and humorous, reminding us that even in our toughest moments, life is always worth enjoying.
The One to Stay With, inspired by Patrick Radden Keefe's book Empire of Pain, focuses on the ongoing opioid crisis. New York choreographic team Baye & Asa tackles ideas of power, greed, and deceit. They infuse theatre and contemporary dance with rhythms and techniques from their roots in hip hop and African dance.
SNAP, set to a mix of original music and James Brown hits, is a layered take on social pressure and urban diversity by Micaela Taylor. Inspired by the L.A. crowds, the dancers show off their athleticism while grappling with forces outside of themselves. Taylor’s movement style is her own individual mixture of hip hop with contemporary technique.
The final piece of the evening will be Alejandro Cerrudo's PACOPEPEPLUTO. Three statuesque male dancers float about the empty stage, one after another, showing off their virtuosity and form. The crooning voice of Dean Martin (and his impersonator, Joe Scalissi), only adds to the dreamlike feeling.
BODYTRAFFIC is at the Vancouver Playhouse May 5 and 6. Tickets from $35. Visit dancehouse.ca for more information.
Post sponsored by DanceHouse.