According to the program notes: “The intention of Kaufman Converge is to bring awareness to the multiple ways that one can have a life in dance. …. We can learn to see dance artists as more than just entertainers, but cultivators of community and agents of change.” This was made apparent through the two lifepaths taken by the artists highlighted in this episode of Kaufman Converge which took place on February 4, 2025 at the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center on the USC campus.
Teresa “Toogie” Barcelo is a choreographer and movement artist whose trainings in dance include, but are not limited by, flamenco, merengue, salsa, ballet, jazz, modern, popping, break, street, house, wacking, locking, etc. Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasit is an LA-based choreographer, director, visual artist, and dancer who has combined his worlds of breaking, acrobatics, popping, ballet, and contemporary, among others. Amy O’Neal was the host and curator of the evenings’ work. O’Neal also served as the Talk-Show host for the final section of the show when the two performing artists sat down on the couch to discuss their work.
USC Visions and Voices – Kaufman Converge – Rauf “Rubberlez” Yasit” – Photo by Rhaine Marquardt.
Yasit opened the evening with a solo. He began standing and quietly covered his face with his hands. From there he moved his hands all over his head, face and then body as they, and then his arms seemed to have a will of their own. The appendages were exploring every possible movement opportunity through joints, bursae, and bone. The movement was fluid and unexpected, as if tremors were seizing control and moving his body, his will in absentia. He certainly lived up to his nickname and then some. He uses the floor as a partner, letting his full weight be supported and then carried by it. The floor, and the gravity it entails was the upholding element. Otherwise, it seemed as if his body would discorporate altogether and disappear through a seam in the ground. He made startling connections with legs and feet underlining his struggle to …… what? Become human? Stand and operate independently?
USC Visions and Voices – Kaufman Converge – Teresa “Toggie” Barcelo – Photo by Rhaine Marquardt.
Barcelo then performed a solo beginning upstage right and slowly, on all fours proceeded to come to downstage center. Her spine has an amazing dexterity and the image was one of animal becoming human. Song burst upon us in the form of “I put a spell on you” by Nina Simone and Barcelo stands to move to the song. She has an interesting array of techniques at her disposal and it is compelling to see the changes in musculature from a popping move or isolation to a contemporary battement or contraction. She is articulate and specific in form and then dramatic in weight change. She held our rapt attention.
USC Visions and Voices – Kaufman Converge – Rauf “Rubberlez” Yasit and Teresa “Toggie” Barcelo – Photo by Rhaine Marquardt.
After this the two artists participated in an improvised duet, having met only that afternoon. They both entered the space and began exploring the possibilities within each others’ forms. This was mesmerizing to see how the bodies and weights would meld. At first tentative as it must be, they circled into the others’ sphere gradually becoming more confident to pull and push and guide and shape. It was like two amoeba in a courtship dance, arms and legs as flagella. At one point, Yasit has Barcelo’s head in his hands and he pulls them from her head to his own as if trying on her head. It was a magnificent movement and one that an entire evening’s scenario can be built from.
There was a talk back after this and many students from the dance program at USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center were in attendance. Part of the reason and effect of this showcase was to enlighten students that there are many ways one can have a life in dance. Showing artists who work in multiples of disciplines and styles these students see firsthand how carving out a life of individual movement is possible. This is a necessary and timely lesson for all serious dance/movement practitioners. All roads lead to Rome, but it is enlightening to know that you can forge your own and still get there.
USC Visions and Voices – Kaufman Converge – Rauf “Rubberlez” Yasit and Teresa “Toggie” Barcelo – Photo by Rhaine Marquardt.
Oh, yes – there was also a film. “LOVE” Directed by Teresa Toogie Barcelo and Rick Darge, DP: Rick Darge, Choreographer: Teresa Toogie Barcelo, Composer: Joe Berry, Producer: Emily Wanserski. This begins with a roomful of people all bouncing around in their underwear. Slowly they begin to move in unison. They begin to mirror the soundtrack which is voices singing in counterpoint making a lovely visual cadence. Although all together in the room everyone maintains their own personal space where they rock and shake and are agitated. They share similar movement phrases throughout. They break down the barriers keeping them apart and come together resting their heads and chests on each other’s backs, making a clump. This enables them to breath together and feel each other’s bodies. They descend into floor work.
There is a bright light source at one end of the room with a large chandelier overhead. The floor is rich wood, and the room is filled with fine mist which diffuses the light. We see the sweat on the bodies all in close proximity. When the people rise from the floor they begin to convulse and this is when others put a hand on the chest of those agitated and calm them down ending in a grand hug. There is a long, sensuous kiss between a man and a woman. Ultimately, all come together in a circle, each one hugging the next and lift their heads up in a primal scream, falling to the ground in exhausted bliss. All is calm and tranquil. It is a lovely metaphor for humanity in general and, if you live in Los Angeles, getting to LAX on time through rush hour traffic. The performers: Kent Boyd, Kat Cheng, Miles Crawford, Raymond Ejiofor, Lenin Fernandez, Reshma Gajjar, Charissa Kroeger, Jas Lin, Derion Loman, Nico Lonetree, Jobel Medina, Jillian Meyers, Baylie Olsen, Alyse Rockett, Lex Saenz, Owen Scarlett.
For more information about the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, please visit their website.
Written by Brian Fretté for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: USC Visions and Voices – Kaufman Converge – Teresa “Toggie” Barcelo and Rauf “Rubberlez” Yasit – Photo by Rhaine Marquardt.
