performers

BODYTRAFFIC

BODYTRAFFIC

BODYTRAFFIC is a nonprofit organization and internationally-renowned dance company proudly hailing from Los Angeles. 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.

A forward-thinking company, BODYTRAFFIC is not one driven by a single choreographic voice. It aims to endorse established and new voices and be a home for an eclectic range of styles and perspectives that tell vital stories. By commissioning renowned choreographers, including Kyle Abraham, Ohad Naharin, Hofesh Shechter, Victor Quijada, Arthur Pita, Fernando Magadan, and Micaela Taylor, it cultivates opportunities for artists to fully embody their creative practice and conceive new, contemporary pieces. Connecting individuals of vastly different life experiences through dance, BODYTRAFFIC has toured the world and continues to deepen its investment in its home city of Los Angeles.

BODYTRAFFIC inspires and uplifts its community and beyond through its education and outreach programs. Focusing on supporting the whole dancer, it provides programs ranging from youth-focused intensive training and master classes to professional development for established artists that encourage their growth by nurturing their unique identities. Every year, it mentors more than 500 students from diverse backgrounds.

Performances

Friday, July 19 | 6:30 PM
Dance Gala: BODYTRAFFIC

Los Angeles’ innovative BODYTRAFFIC brings a lively array of music and movement to this year’s Dance Gala. The program includes a balletic world premiere by choreographer Matthew Neenan; Trey McIntyre’s Blue Until June with songs by Etta James; and the Cuban rhythms of Joan Rodriguez’s Bloque’a, with original music by Pedro Osuna and live accompaniment by renowned cellist SUUVI and GRAMMY® winning percussionist Ricky Matute.

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Saturday, July 20 | 6:30 PM
Manetti Shrem Opera: Mozart's
The Abduction from the Seraglio

Experience thrilling onstage alchemy when soprano Brenda Rae and tenor Michele Angelini perform Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio. The celebrated stars are joined by bass David Soar, Volti Chorale and five members of BODYTRAFFIC. Carlo Montanaro leads Festival Orchestra Napa in this comedic tale of forbidden love. Jean-Romain Vesperini directs.

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