INTERVIEW: From Los Angeles to NYC, BodyTraffic arrives at The Joyce
Photo: BodyTraffic presents three dances, including Mayday, at The Joyce Theater, April 15-20. Photo courtesy of BodyTraffic / Provided by Michelle Tabnick PR with permission.
BodyTraffic, the acclaimed dance company based in Los Angeles, is ready to take over The Joyce Theater in Manhattan for a week of performances, running April 15-20. This time around, they are bringing a set of dance pieces known as This Reminds Me, which is billed as a work that explores how people make connections to the world around them, and how these connections provoke deep feelings of nostalgia. Audiences will have the chance to see Mayday, featuring the music of Buddy Holly and choreographed by Trey McIntyre; I Forgot the Start, an examination of grief and hope that is choreographed by Matthew Neenan; and Incense Burning on a Saturday Morning: The Maestro, a tribute to artist Ernie Barnes that is choreographed by Juel D. Lane.
At the head of the company is founding artistic director Tina Finkelman Berkett. Although the company is based in Los Angeles, Berkett actually grew up in New York City, eventually graduating from Barnard College, Columbia University, according to her official biography. She began her dance career at Aszure Barton & Artists; this is where she ascended to the position of principal dancer, teacher and Barton’s assistant. She then moved on to become a founding member of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s Hell’s Kitchen Dance. BodyTraffic came in 2007, when she founded the company with Lillian Barbeito.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Berkett about what audiences can expect from the engagement at The Joyce. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How do you build a dance program when you have so many options to couple together?
When putting together a program, there are a number of contributing factors that I consider. I’m thinking about the city we’re visiting and how well the audience might know BodyTraffic. I’m thinking about the sonic journey the music of the program will take the audience on, and finally I’m thinking about how the mix of repertory will properly showcase the versatility and generosity of our dancers.
For Mayday, does the music of Buddy Holly lend itself to the dance art form?
I think the music of Buddy Holly lends itself greatly to the art form of dance. Buddy Holly had one of the greatest impacts on the world of rock ‘n’ roll, and his music makes you wanna get up, jump out of your seat and dance.
What brought about the tribute to artist Ernie Barnes?
It was choreographer Juel D. Lane who came to me with the idea to honor Mr. Ernie Barnes. I feel so lucky that the company gets to pay homage to an artist whose work has had such a great impact on culture and society.
Is Los Angeles a good city to be based in if you’re a dance company? Do you feel the company’s identity is tied with that city?
I often say that we are the L.A. dance company in that our company truly represents the global diversity of our city. We feel so much pride in the work that we do in our hometown of Los Angeles, and we feel that it is a tremendous honor to be able to share our love for L.A. around the world.
What’s it like to have the dancers perform at the legendary Joyce Theater?
Well, for me, performing at the Joyce is particularly meaningful. Having grown up in New York City, I always had a dream of performing at the Joyce, and it was a true bucket list moment for me in 2012 when BodyTraffic had its premiere. I feel that I have the privilege of reliving a dream come true every time we get to return and share what we’ve been up to.
How are grief and hope represented in the dance I Forgot the Start?
I think our work I Forgot the Start is such a beautiful depiction of how, when one is going through a very challenging time, they are often riding the line between grief and hope. The piece shows such emotional, delicate moments, and at the same time, I believe it really encourages audiences to rely on the people they love and to find hope even in the most difficult moments.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
BodyTraffic will present the program This Reminds Me at The Joyce Theater in New York City, April 15-20. Click here for more information and tickets.
