Presented by Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz on February 26, 2026, BODYTRAFFIC offered a special program of work choreographed by the dancers themselves. It is not often that dance companies allow their dancers to engage and present their own work, so to see this being done felt special in that it honored the performers’ creative side. Another interesting aspect of the program is that audience members were invited to scan a QR code and share their lingering questions or thoughts about each individual work that would then be shared with the company artists.
BODYTRAFFIC – Chandler Davidson in “Monochant” Choreography by James Gregg – Photo by Guzman Rosado.
The evening began with a work titled Monochant choreographed by James Gregg and performed by the stunning Chandler Davidson. Athletic, percussive, and engaging are just a few adjectives to describe this performance. Although strong as a solo, I could easily see this piece being expanded upon into group work which would enhance its already powerful undertones.
BODYTRAFFIC – Becky Garcia in “full and hollow” Choreography by Julie Opiel – Photo by Guzman Rosado.
Following Gregg’s work was another solo choreographed by Julie Opiel, performed by Becky Garcia and danced to the familiar sound of Joni Mitchell. Titled full and hollow, the piece seemed to follow a nostalgic woman’s life as she hung images across the back of the stage on a clothes line. Garcia is technically excellent, with lines that seem to extend forever and a stage presence that’s strong yet graceful.
BODYTRAFFIC – “Ninety-Nine (Reprise)” Choreography by Brenan Gonzalez – Photo by Guzman Rosado.
A trio performed by Chandler Davidson, Becky Garcia, and Brenan Gonzalez was a refreshing change of pace from the solo work. The work presented was only an excerpt titled Ninety-Nine (Reprise) and choreographed by Brenan Gonzalez. This piece utilized piles of laundry and a laundry basket with a soundscape that often drifted into the sound of the tick-tock of a clock. These aspects alluded to the monotony of everyday life, however, the relationship between the dancers onstage felt muddy. Showcasing excerpts of work can be challenging as the full picture isn’t provided, however, the phrase work was unique and athletic and the dancers themselves are no less than excellent. I would love to see this piece in its entirety in the future.
BODYTRAFFIC – “The Space That Remains” Performed and choreographed by Jordyn Santiago and Pedro Garcia – Photo by Guzman Rosado.
Following this piece was a highlight from the evening, a duet titled The Space That Remains performed and choreographed by Jordyn Santiago and Pedro Garcia. A duet that explored the complexities of loving another person, showcasing the tension, tenderness, and risk taking required to be fully embraced. The partnering was seamless and daring as the dancers effortlessly mounted one another’s shoulders and flung their bodies with full abandon onto the other. It was very clear to this viewer that the work was performed by the choreographers themselves as it felt natural choreographically and it was performed with clear intention.
BODYTRAFFIC – “Quiet Company” performed and choreographed by Jordyn Santiago and Pedro Garcia – Photo by Guzman Rosado.
The next work was a film titled Quiet Company, choreographed and performed by Katie Garcia and Joan Rodriguez. This part of the evening’s programming felt a little displaced, however, the skillful partnering and technically challenging dancing was beautiful to watch. I was curious as to why it was created to be a film rather than as a live performance.
BODYTRAFFIC in “Secret Goodbye”, choreography by Trey McIntyre – Photo by Trey McIntyre.
To close the show was a quirky quartet set to oldies songs by American singer and songwriter Sam Cooke. Another excerpt of a work titled Secret Goodbye, this piece felt lighthearted and brought a refreshing energy as the dancers bounced off one another literally and figuratively. Once again, performed with incredible physical ability, stage presence and seamlessness the dancers weaved through this piece with a joyousness that was contagious. This work was choreographed by BODYTRAFFIC Creative Partner Trey McIntyre and performed by Chandler Davidson, Pedro Garcia, Brenan Gonzales, and Jordyn Santiago.
Experiencing an evening of dance where the company dancers are the choreographers gives such unique insight to the company. I left Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz with a deeper understanding of BODYTRAFFIC and those who make up the company. Overall, it was an excellent showcase of gifted dancers and creative minds.
To learn more about BODYTRAFFIC, please visit their website.
To learn more about Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, please visit their website.
Written by Rebecca Lee for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: BODYTRAFFIC – Chandler Davidson, Becky Garcia, and Brenan Gonzalez in “Ninety-Nine (Reprise)” Choreography by Brenan Gonzalez – Photo by Guzman Rosado.
