Next time you’re stuck in traffic, open up your senses to the amazing sights and sounds around you. There’s magic to be found, despite the stress. Engines purring, radio music from nearby cars, people talking, crosswalks flashing and the wail of distant sirens. On October 22, 2024, BODYTRAFFIC brings that same elegantly controlled chaos to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts stage. Contemporary dance skill meets the technical mastery of a highly challenging repertoire. Don’t miss out on this sophisticated, high-energy, joyous celebration of the human body.

a woman dances against a white background
This all-ages, family-friendly show introduces visitors to many forms of dance and choreography. BODYTRAFFIC has toured the world sharing their work for more than 10 years. Photo credit: Guzman Rosado

BODYTRAFFIC Brings Los Angeles-Inspired Dance Performances to Downtown Olympia

Since Los Angeles is nearly synonymous with traffic, it comes as no surprise that this iconic dance troupe hails from the City of Angels. As a group, their creative goal is simple, to make dance accessible to everyone, within today’s vibrant national and international cultural ecosystem.

Alex Zack is part of the BODYTRAFFIC artistic management team and says that on top of the group’s LA residency, they regularly tour the country to share a love of dance. “Since they’re based in LA, they love performing for Pacific Northwest audiences as often as they can,” says Zack. “Most recently they performed in Edmonds and Bellingham during the 2022/2023 season. They’ve never performed in Olympia but are excited to do so!”

Beyond performing, BODYTRAFFIC also host master classes, in-school partnerships and community events sharing their love of dance, creativity and movement. Through this education and outreach, they annually mentor more than 500 students from diverse backgrounds both in Southern California and across the nation.

Celebrate Dance, Movement, Creativity and New Voices on the Washington Center Stage

Zack explains that Washington Center audiences will, “revel in BODYTRAFFIC’s stunning performers, technical mastery and commitment to the most innovative repertoire created by the most in demand choreographers. Bursting with vivid theatricality, this cutting-edge dance company takes the stage with compelling works that embody the energy, sophistication, and sheer joy in dancing.”

He calls their shows a great introduction to dance and one that includes plenty of familiar songs and unfettered joy. They’ve even been invited to share their passion on the global stage.

BODYTRAFFIC was chosen to be cultural ambassadors to Israel and Jordan in 2015, South Korea in 2016, Algeria in 2017 and 2018, Indonesia in 2018 and has toured the world including Moscow, St. Petersburg and The Hague.

You can follow their upcoming performances or sign up for the BODYTRAFFIC newsletter to learn more. Check them out on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for exciting additions and the latest updates.

a man lifts a woman in a dance move against a white background
During their first visit to Olympia, BODYTRAFFIC will showcase a high energy, joyous celebration of movement and the human body. Photo credit: Guzman Rosado

Reserve Your Tickets Early to Avoid the Washington Center BODYTRAFFIC-jam

BODYTRAFFIC makes their inaugural visit to Olympia on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $24 and can be purchased online or at the Washington Center Box Office. The Box Office is open from noon until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or two hours before any ticketed show.

Consider becoming a 2024/2025 season subscriber and you’ll receive ticket discounts, early access and presale specials and even—if you choose eight or more shows—the ability to lock-in your favorite seat for all performances. Call the Box Office at 360.753.8586 or email boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org with questions.

While online, sign up for the Washington Center’s newsletter so you’ll be the first to know about newly added shows, changes, updates and special guests.

Traffic happens with a million moving parts—cars, trucks, buses, pedestrians and even families walking their dog—all intertwine. Thanks to innovators like Los Angeles’ own BODYTRAFFIC, we can see our body’s moving parts put to the finest, most elegant use right here in downtown Olympia.

There are approximately 600 muscles in the human body and all too often ours are underused. From sitting at a desk during the workday to chauffeuring kids in the car all evening, it’s nice to finally take a moment, stretch, flex and put them to work. Let BODYTRAFFIC inspire you to find something you love and get moving because even small movements are a beautiful method of self-expression and joy.

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