BODYTRAFFIC, the Los Angeles-based contemporary dance company led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett set the stage on fire at The Wallis on December 12, 2025. It was an entire evening of inventive and exciting choreography performed by master artists, Katie Garcia, Pedro Garcia, Joan Rodriguez, Jordyn Santiago, Chandler Davidson, Becky Garcia, Brenan Gonzalez, Jahnell D. Boozer, Grecia Cruz, and Kennedy Simon. This was an evening of Los Angeles dance at its best!
The program opened with commentary provided by Artistic Director, Tina Finkelman Berkett. She also provided commentary following intermission. Her words were succinct and engaging. Her delivery was filled with hope and contagious enthusiasm that pulled the audience close. She prepared the audience to immediately engage in a meaningful way with the work being presented. This artistic partnership with BODYTRAFFIC and The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts shows great promise, and I look forward to the next performance. Kudos to Director, Tina Finkelman, who curated a diverse program that highlighted the versatility and technical prowess of the dancers. Each piece shared a totally different story and was characterized by very distinct and unique movement qualities. The pauses and intermission were perfectly placed resulting in an evening that flowed beautifully and kept the audience wanting more.
The evening began with the BODYTRAFFIC premiere of Schachmatt (Checkmate) choreographed by Cayetano Soto. “Spirit fingers or Jazz Hands” never looked so good! These exquisite artists took Fosse vocabulary and made it their own complete with attitude, swagger, long limbed extensions, and an effortlessness that was nothing short of remarkable. Clean, sharp, precise, controlled movements demonstrating the sheer strength and technique of every dancer, all working perfectly with the giant chessboard.
BODYTRAFFIC in “Coalescence” by Jordyn Santiago – Photo courtesy of BODYTRAFFIC.
Coalescence by Jordyn Santiago, was a tour de force for Ms. Santiago. She took my breath away with her visceral, fluid, non-stop movement at the opening of the piece. It was apparent that Ms. Santiago was dancing from the inside out with commitment and passion that made me gasp. The dancers functioned as a kind of Greek chorus providing encouragement, support, and never-ending love. The costumes had a translucent, sheer, transparent quality that created a calming effect. The ending was powerful as the dancers seemed to move as one into a shape reminiscent of a caterpillar.
BODYTRAFFIC – Katie Garcia and Joan Rodriguez in “Flyland” by David Middenthorp – Photo by Christopher Duggan.
A total change of pace followed intermission. Flyland choreographed by David Middenthorp is a duet that features projections that are integral to the dance. Projections and animations envelop the entire stage, and the effect is mind boggling. There were times when I was not sure where I should be looking. The dancers perform much of the choreography while lying on the floor and at one point they seem to be flying across the clouds together. As I watched I could not help but begin to think about the amount of rehearsal time it must have taken for these amazing artists to seamlessly dance with the projections and animations creating a world of fantasy and reality.
Joan Rodriguez (forward) and members of BODYTRAFFIC in Secret Goodbye, choreography by Trey McIntyre – Photos by Trey McIntyre
The evening ended with the world premiere of Secret Goodbye choreographed by Trey McIntyre and set to the music of Sam Cooke. Music and dance merged to tell stories of love, heartbreak, loneliness, desire, fulfillment and longing. When I examined my notes to write this review I saw “SEXY” in large black letters. The men and women oozed sensuality as they effortlessly danced with their entire being. They seemed to feel every note of the iconic music of Sam Cooke. “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1965), a signature song and “anthem of hope and boundless optimism that expresses the genius of his poetry and sweetness of his soul” resonated loudly. It was put to good use with choreography that captured the essence of the song. The four dancers demonstrated a deep commitment to the stories they were telling with musicality and a tremendous emotional range.
To learn more about BODYTRAFFIC, please visit their website.
To see what else is happening at The Wallis, please visit their website.
Written by Leah Bass-Baylis for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: BODYTRAFFIC – Brenan Gonzalez, Joan Rodriguez, Chandler Davidson, Jordyn Santiago in Secret Goodbye, choreography by Trey McIntyre – Photos by Trey McIntyre
