DANCE COMPANIES YOU NEED TO SEE

BODYTRAFFIC, Mayday (photo: Kevin Parry)

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Maybe you're not into dance because you just haven't seen the right company yet!
Start with these:

BODYTRAFFIC
When my favorite dance troupe Doug Elkins Dance disbanded, I was bereft. Seeing BODYTRAFFIC was the first time I've been that excited watching dance since then! BODYTRAFFIC is a Los Angeles-based, contemporary dance company with a dynamic repertoire that derives inspiration from LA’s diverse, cultural scene. Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC has become known for its’ bold, innovative choreography and brilliant dancers. While the pieces are conceived by a global mix of acclaimed choreographers, Los Angeles’ unique, urban vibe is always championed. With their exciting repertoire and powerful performances, BODYTRAFFIC brings the vibrant, creative spirit of Los Angeles to audiences worldwide.
Yet the company is also deeply committed to its’ own LA community by bringing dance workshops to folks of all ages and abilities: mentoring over 700 students annually and partnering with local senior centers—with the goal of connecting people of vastly different life experiences through dance.
Find out when BODYTRAFFIC is coming to a city near you (tour).

BALLET HISPANICO 

Ballet Hispánico Sombrerisimo

This New York-based company blends contemporary ballet with Latino cultural influences. It’s always a thrill to see the varied pieces in the company’s repertoire. Founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, Eduardo Vilaro is the current Artistic Director & CEO, a former Ballet Hispánico dancer and an innovative choreographer who believes in preserving tradition while fostering innovation. The company draws on the wide range of cultural influences in the Latin American experience to create compelling works that explore themes of identity, resilience, and joy through movement that represent all aspects of the dynamic Latinx culture. The company is also lauded for the Ballet Hispánico School, training young dancers for the future, as well as its’ programs for schools and the community. Through their programs and performances, Ballet Hispánico brings the joy of dance and Hispanic culture to the world! Find out where to see Ballet Hispánico (tour).

BATTERY DANCE 
Battery Dance is unique in that it is not just a contemporary dance company presenting works. It’s a global “ambassador” for dance—connecting with peoples around the world through the universal language of movement by way of its’ Dancing to Connect

Battery Dance, Frontiers (photo: Claudio Rodriguez)

program. In addition to offering programs in New York City schools, Battery Dance has held dance workshops in countries in crisis, with peoples in conflict, and across stigmatized communities. Since 1976, Founder and Artistic Director Jonathan Hollander has guided the company to make dance accessible to everyone. 

Their annual Battery Dance Festival showcases both local and international dance companies from around the world in a free, week-long presentation in a beautiful outdoor setting in Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan. All are welcome! (August, New York, but available to view thru video streaming.)

NYC Dance Venues
The Joyce - New York’s premier location for dance, presenting an outstanding, variety of national and international dance companies.
New York City Center - Annual, dance events at City Center: Flamenco Festival, Fall for Dance, the Alvin Ailey residency every December; in the spring: Ballet Hispanico, Dance Theater of Harlem, & the Martha Graham Company. 

Festivals: 92NY Harkness Dance Center – Women Move The World; La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival; CUNY Dance Initiative 
See Dance Wherever You Live: You don’t have to be in New York City to see great dance. Find dance events throughout the US: Dance/USA