Tina Berkett and Joseph Davis / Photo by Joshua Sugiyama
Returning to its Santa Monica home at The Broad Stage, internationally touring contemporary dance repertory company BODYTRAFFIC will present the world premiere of “Death Defying Dances” this Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 27-29, at 7:30 p.m.
The evening showcases new original work by three artists, each of whom brings a highly respected background and a slew of prestigious credits to our local stage. These men include illustrious choreographer and returning contributor to BODYTRAFFIC repertoire, Richard Siegal, South African Arthur Pita and Slovakian-born Belgium-residing Anton Lachky.
Siegal continues an ongoing interest in American popular music with “3 Preludes.” Set to Gershwin tunes of a bygone era, this choreographer’s work often brings smiles to audiences’ faces.
Pita then presents “Death Defying Dances,” described in promotional materials as “a vibrant tribute to ‘the Queen of the Beatniks,’ Judy Henske.” And in a preview of “Private Games: Chapter One,” Lachky uses “high-octane movement and penetrating imagery to create an explosive and mysterious dance theater piece.”
As mentioned, this young company has been performing all over the world, including a tour to Israel and Jordan as U.S. State Department cultural ambassadors, collaborations with our very own Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and sold-out engagements in Boston and New York, Dallas and Philadelphia and at the Jacob’s Pillow (MA) and American Dance Festivals (NC).
As the artists bring new work by different dance makers each time they’re in town, there’s always something new to appreciate in the program. And the voracious dancing complements the experience.
—Benn Widdey Culture Spot LA
The Broad Stage is located at 1310 11th St., Santa Monica 90401.
Tickets are $40-$80 and can be purchased at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/959123
More info: https://www.thebroadstage.com/en/Performances/Dance/16_17_Productions/bodytraffic/