BodyTraffic, a Los Angeles contemporary dance company, to make Penn State premiere Jan. 26 at Eisenhower

A Los Angeles Times critic described BodyTraffic as “one of the most talked-about young companies, not just in L.A. but nationwide.” In its first performance at Penn State—at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, in Eisenhower Auditorium—“the company of the future” (The Joyce Theater Foundation) will perform a selection of dances by its growing roster of affiliated international choreographers.

The Center for the Performing Arts presentation is scheduled to include “Beyond the Edge of the Frame” by Sidra Bell, excerpts of “Fragile Dwellings” by Stijn Celis, “A Million Voices” by Matthew Neenan, “George & Zalman” by Ohad Naharin, and “o2Joy” by Richard Siegal.

Purchase tickets, which are $42 for an adult, $15 for a University Park student, and $32 for a person 18 and younger. A grant from the University Park Student Fee Board makes Penn State student prices possible.

Founded in 2007 by artistic directors Lillian Barbeito and Tina Finkelman Berkett, BodyTraffic has been heralded for helping to establish Los Angeles as a major center for contemporary dance.

“Dubbed one of Dance Magazine’s ‘25 to Watch’ …, the repertory company is known for its versatility, bringing vivid theatricality to a range of provocative works commissioned from some of today’s most dynamic choreographers,” wrote a Boston Globe reviewer.

Watch a preview featuring excerpts from various BodyTraffic dances.

The company has performed at high-profile festivals and venues—including Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, New York City Center’s Fall for Dance, American Dance Festival, Annenberg Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall—across the continent. The troupe also visited Israel and Jordan as part of the DanceMotion USA tour produced by the Brooklyn Academy of Music in conjunction with the U.S. State Department.

Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist or artists, is offered one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints regularly fills to capacity, so seating is available on a first-arrival basis.

Geisinger sponsors the Penn State performance.