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Fresh from a Middle East tour BODYTRAFFIC premieres four works – Metro US
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Fresh from a Middle East tour BODYTRAFFIC premieres four works

Fresh from a Middle East tour BODYTRAFFIC premieres four works
BODYTRAFFIC

BODYTRAFFIC, one of the hottest new dance companies from Los Angeles, performs November 4-8 as part ofDance Affiliates’inaugural NextMove series at the Prince Theater in Philadelphia (1412 Chestnut Street).

Audience members are in for a treat, BODYTRAFFIC is recognized for its athletic and theatrical dancing, as well as its varied repertoire commissioned by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers. Back by popular demand from a successful engagement during the Dance Celebration Series, BODYTRAFFIC returns with all new works.

“BODYTRAFFIC’s dances are made of very different movement material, concepts, costuming, and music that vary from one piece to the next,” says F. Randolph (Randy) Swartz, artistic director of Dance Affiliates. “It’s like inviting many chefs to the table, and then tasting what their delicacies are. BODYTRAFFIC represents a great combination of choreographers and dancers who are all bringing something special to the table.”

The program opens with Euro-based Richard Siegal’sThe New 45, a jazzy romp to music of Harry Belafonte and Oscar Peterson. Victor Quijada (co-artistic director of Montréal’s RUBBERBANDance Group) choreographedOnce again, before you go,reflecting his signature style that fuses hip hop, ballet, and contemporary dance.Once Againis set to Jasper Gahunia’s hypnotic pulsing score. Quijada and Gahunia (aka DJ Lil’ Jaz) have collaborated on several projects including the 2012 award winning filmCenter of Gravity.

After intermission, there’sFragile Dwellingsby Belgian choreographer and set designer Stijin Celis, a work dedicated to the homeless Los Angelinos. Closing the program is the whimsical and lightheartedA Trick of Lightchoreographed by Joshua Peugh, who was named as Dance Magazines “25 to Watch” in 2015. This work features fast footwork, ballroom dance elements, and playful gestures performed by stellar dancers wearing vintage costumes.

BODYTRAFFIC flies into Philadelphia from an intensive Middle Eastern tour in Jordan. According to Swartz, the recent tour should make for interesting back-and-forths between the dancers and the audience—select performances (Thursday evening and Saturday matinee) feature exclusive talk-backs and behind-the-scenes engagement with the company. BODYTRAFFIC prides itself on its desire to really connect with viewers in an intimate way.

In addition to the six performances, BODYTRAFFIC will also conduct two outreach activities in the Philadelphia area, including a Student Discovery program for schools and a free master class. Both events will take place on Friday, November 6.

All performances take place at the Prince Theater in the heart of Center City. (Showtimes and tickets availablehere.) Whether you’re coming in from the suburbs or heading to the show from the city, the theater’s location and accessibility make it easy. And while single tickets are available for purchase, they don’t come with the benefits of being a subscriber. Dance Affiliates subscription members enjoy discounted parking, perks at a variety of area restaurants, and a generous ticket exchange policy.

Clickhereto learn more about the much-anticipate Next Move performances coming to Philadelphia over the next six months. In addition to BODYTRAFFIC, the NextMove series features:

  • Dorrance Dance (December 2-6) under the direction of Michelle Dorrance, recipient of a 2015 MacArthur “Genius Award” for her innovative approaches to tap dancing.
  • Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal (January 13-17), one of Canada’s most popular troupes in three Philly premieres.
  • Ezralow Dance (February 3-7) under the artistic direction of Daniel Ezralow, choreographer for the 1999 and 2006 Academy Awards and Broadway’s “Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark.”
  • The legendary Limõn Dance Company returns (March 9-13), performing José Limõn’s masterpieceThe Moor’s Pavane.
  • Seán Curran Company (April 6-10) debuts Curran’s newest creations.
  • MOMIX (May 11-15 and May 18-22) with Moses Pendleton’s full-length multimedia spectacularOpus Cactus.