BODYTRAFFIC to present dance performance full of invention, attitude, and urban edge

Photo Courtesy of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

BODYTRAFFIC makes its return to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 9.

This unique dance company will display how they captivate their creative expression to not only embody the essence of Los Angeles, but to inspire their audience as well.

“We are thrilled to have BODYTRAFFIC back with a program of mixed repertoire, including a brand-new work, ‘The One to Stay With’ choreographed by the on-the-rise duo Baye & Asa,” says Diandra Adamczyk, senior programming coordinator at the center.

This dance company was founded 15 years ago and has since attracted great attention and publicity. BODYTRAFFIC was selected by the Obama Administration to be a part of DanceMotionUSA, which strives to engage international audiences through captivating performances. Members of the company served as cultural ambassadors in Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Algeria, and Indonesia, and now they are coming back to Scottsdale.

The company is ambitious to perform. Tina Berkett, artistic director and founder of BODYTRAFFIC, says the company has the “tremendous privilege” of feeling at home with Scottsdale audiences.

“We feel the city’s big love for dance every time we’re there: it’s like an underlying vibration,” Berkett says. “As Angelenos, we have a common love for good weather and enjoying life. We feel so welcomed and so celebrated in there; after all, we are a fiercely Western company and Scottsdale is ‘The West’s Most Western Town!’”
Berkett initially created the company due to inspiration from her college professor and mentor. BODYTRAFFIC includes exceptionally talented dancers and choreographers who have trained at some of the most prestige schools in the world, creating a company full of passion and creativity.

Prior to the regular performance, BODYTRAFFIC will also offer a student matinee on Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St. This interactive matinee combines hip-hop and ballet to get students moving and is best for grades third and above. Student matinee tickets are $5 each.

BODYTRAFFIC will then offer a regular performance on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $60.

Visit scottsdaleperformingarts.org/events or call the box office at 480-499-TKTS (8587) for more information.