Spending the weekend at its Los Angeles home base, world-traveling BODYTRAFFIC will introduce local audiences to original movement creations from an eclectic foursome of dancemakers. In a program called “Check-mate,” the eclectic offering includes world and local premieres by newly appointed Creative Partner Trey McIntyre, Dutch-born and Juilliard-trained David Middenthorp, and Spanish Cayetano Soto and North Carolina native and company dancer Jordan Santiago. BODYTRAFFIC and its host, The Wallis, present three evenings of powerhouse dance, Thursday, Dec. 11, ] through Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
McIntyre’s world premiere is a suite of dances set to the songs of soul music singing icon Sam Cooke. Mixing the choreographer’s trademark amalgam of ballet and modern dance styles, the cast of virtuosic movers cleanly executes a palette of tune-supportive energy and shapes.
In Middenthorp’s 10-minute “Flyland,” a pair of dancers are enhanced by an immersive video projection. The result has been described in Splash Magazine as “a fast-paced, surreal journey” with “drone videography, clean, enchanting animation, quick, supple movement, precision timing and heartfelt music.”
“Schachmatt (Check-mate)” begins with a huge chess board that soon becomes “a theatrical playground.” Inspired by disparate elements drawn from the work of Pedro Almodóvar, Joan Rivers and Bob Fosse, Soto’s work for a company of evenly gendered 10 is set to retro lounge and Latin jazz tunes. It was called “a real treat” in the Fjord Review.
Created by BODYTRAFFIC’s own Jordyn Santiago, “Coalescene” is accompanied by a score that combines both high-energy house music and a new composition by New York City musician Rafa Aslan. This piece is described as “a vibrant, affirming love letter to femininity, queerness and community.”
The company, co-founded 18 years ago by its still Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett and Lillian Rose Barbeito, brings an international perspective to local theaters. With a diverse repertory that keeps the dancers “on their toes,” it also includes community-based educational opportunities for participants of all ages.
—Benn Widdey, Culture Spot LA
LOCATION:
The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills 90210
TICKETS:
$42.90-$108.90
https://tickets.thewallis.org/20631/21123
INFO:
https://thewallis.org/show-details/bodytraffic-check-mate
Photo credit: “Coalescence,” choreographed by Jordyn Santiago / Photo courtesy of BODYTRAFFIC