FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Great Barrington, Mass.—Los Angeles-based dance company BODYTRAFFIC has announced the program for its upcoming Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center performances on November 10 and 11.
BODYTRAFFIC — deemed “one of the most talked-about companies nationwide” by the Los Angeles Times — is led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett and Associate Artistic Director Guzmán Santiago. Company members Katie Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Alana Jones, Tiare Keeno, Ty Morrison, Joan Rodriguez and Jordyn Santiago will dance in the Great Barrington performances. The program consists of four pieces: the Micaela Taylor crowd favorite “SNAP,” the introspective “Recurrence,” a company premiere of Trey McIntyre’s Etta James-inspired “Blue Until June,” and a series of three male solos called “PACOPEPEPLUTO.”
SNAP
Inspired by the ethnically diverse yet isolating crowds of Los Angeles, “SNAP” recognizes the loneliness that pervades the search for acceptance but does not submit to it. Its eccentric intensity/vitality enlivens a sense of individuality, urging audiences to “snap out of” social pressures to conform and to celebrate what it means to find a home within yourself. Choreographed by Micaela Taylor and performed by Katie Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Jones, Keeno, Morrison, Rodriguez, and Santiago.
Recurrence
“Recurrence” deals with the inner workings of how humans treat the ones closest to them, in comparison to how they interact with strangers in daily life. It specifically begs the question of why humans sometimes do the worst things to the people they love most. Choreographed by Ethan Colangelo and performed by Rodriguez and Keeno.
Blue Until June (BODYTRAFFIC Premiere)
Los Angeles native and soul-singing icon Etta James sets the stage for “Blue Until June.” Her far-reaching career stands as a symbol of perseverance despite political and personal turmoil, while her rich and reverberatory vocals implore us to immerse ourselves in the seemingly unattainable in order to find our home in love. Choreographed by Trey McIntyre and performed by Katie Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Keeno, Morrison, Rodriguez, and Santiago.
PACOPEPEPLUTO
“PACOPEPEPLUTO” consists of three solos for male dancers set to songs popularized by “the king of cool,” Dean Martin. “PACOPEPEPLUTO” shows Alejandro Cerrudo’s skill at balancing aesthetic austerity and sharp wit. This work dares viewers to nakedly and joyfully embrace their true self-expression. It is performed in dim lighting and contains partial nudity with male dancers in dance belts. Choreographed by Cerrudo and performed by Rodriguez, Pedro Garcia, and Rosado.
Tickets and more information
BODYTRAFFIC will perform at the Mahaiwe on Friday, November 10 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 11 at 3 p.m., sponsored by Blue Q. Tickets range from $35 to $65 and are available now at mahaiwe.org or the Box Office, 413-528-0100, Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Mahaiwe Members receive $5 off each ticket. Contact Brenna Hull at bhull@mahaiwe.org or visit mahaiwe.org/membership for more information.
Individuals ages 30 and under are eligible for $15 Youth Discount tickets. Call or visit the Box Office during open hours to redeem.
BODYTRAFFIC’s Mahaiwe performances are sponsored by Blue Q.
About BODYTRAFFIC
BODYTRAFFIC uses the creative spirit of its Los Angeles home as a backdrop for delivering performances that inspire audiences around the globe to simply love dance. Since its founding in 2007 by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company has held fast to its mission of championing contemporary dance, educating audiences, and inciting positive change. Its goal is simple: get the world moving.
About the Mahaiwe
Located in downtown Great Barrington, Mass., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is the year-round presenter of world-class music, dance, theater, classic films, Live in HD broadcasts, and arts education programs for the southern Berkshires and neighboring regions. The intimate jewel box of a theater opened in 1905. Since 2005, the performing arts center has hosted over 1,500 events and welcomed over half a million people through its doors. More than 25,700 students from 73 different schools have benefited from the Mahaiwe’s school-time performances and residencies. For more information, see mahaiwe.org.
Images: