Internationally renowned dance company BODYTRAFFIC brings the spirit of Los Angeles to UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts in Storrs

BODYTRAFFIC, an internationally-renowned dance company from Los Angeles, has been a dynamic force in contemporary dance since its founding in 2007.  The company comes for a performance at UConn’s Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Jorgensen.UConn.edu. 

Under the leadership of its Founding Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC is known for its technical prowess and versatility, and expertly masters a repertoire that spans ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Cuban, and hip hop. The company thrives on a collective of diverse perspectives and styles, bringing to life the innovative visions of accomplished choreographers like Kyle Abraham, Trey McIntyre, Ohad Naharin, and Micaela Taylor. By seamlessly blending local and global perspectives, BODYTRAFFIC reflects the rich diversity of its home city while pushing the boundaries of dance.

Bringing the spirit of Los Angeles to audiences worldwide, BODYTRAFFIC has performed across 30 states and 20 countries. The company proudly represented the U.S. on cultural diplomacy tours to Algeria, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, and South Korea. Most recently, BODYTRAFFIC had the honor of performing Trey McIntyre’s Ma Maison, presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, further affirming the company’s commitment to work that deeply engages with history and community. 

This dedication is further demonstrated through a passion for education, as BODYTRAFFIC mentors and uplifts over 700 students annually, from its training programs for pre-professional dancers to youth-focused movement workshops. BODYTRAFFIC has long-standing partnerships with educational and community organizations throughout Los Angeles—including Everybody Dance LA!, L.A. County High School for the Arts, Boys & Girls Club of Metro LA, Loyola Marymount University, USC Kaufman, Milken Community School, Windward School, and Marlborough School—advancing artistic access and engagement across the city. It further extends to the company’s enduring work with The Wallis’s Creative Aging Program and its partnership with the Pasadena Senior Center, celebrating the vitality and creative expression of people of all ages and abilities. 

At the heart of everything BODYTRAFFIC does are the values of challenge, passion, empathy, inclusion, and growth. It aims to champion both established and emerging voices, serving as a home for a diverse range of styles and perspectives that tell vital stories. The goal is simple: get the world moving. After all, without movement, nothing changes. 

PROGRAM: The evening's program is inspired by powerhouse musicians of the 20th century. Two pieces are choreographed by Trey McIntire, one set to music by soul-singing icon Etta James, and the other the music of Buddy Holly, who made an indelible impact on rock and roll despite dying in an accident when he was only 22. The third piece is choreographed by Matthew Neenan, inspired by the inimitable Peggy Lee, whose music spurs us to embrace the passion of living even in the darkest of times.

“As the dance world navigates the future of contemporary, BODYTRAFFIC leads the way.” – Theater Jones

BODYTRAFFIC PHOTOS:  BODYTRAFFIC for Press

TICKETS, BOX OFFICE, AND OTHER INFORMATION:

Tickets for BODYTRAFFIC are $35 - $40. Tickets can be purchased on the Jorgensen website, jorgensen.uconn.edu. Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. The Box Office is open Mon – Fri, 10 am to 5 pm. For questions and assistance, email jorgensen.tickets@uconn.edu or call 860-486-4226.  Ample parking is available in North Garage near Jorgensen. The cost of parking is included in the price of a ticket (North Garage only). (Note: all artists, events, dates, programs, and policies are subject to change.)

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 ABOUT JORGENSEN:

Opened in December of 1955, Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts presents 25-30 diverse performances each season, from nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles ranging from classical music to world music and dance, classical ballet and contemporary dance, comedy, family programming and contemporary entertainment.