On Thursday, October 25, The Washington Center for the Performing Arts opens their stage to the compelling imagination of Portland dance company, BodyVox and their Halloween tribute performance BloodyVox: Deadline October. Mixing dance, music, film and unbridled creativity, BloodyVox reimagines Halloween with dream-like creepiness and humor.
The BodyVox dance company is led by Emmy Award winning choreographers, co-artistic directors and partners, Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland, both of whom have built a reputation on beautifully presenting the unexpected. “We have agreed to not let our imaginations be limited,” explains Hampton, “because ideas come from having an open mind. You can’t do anything new if you have a prescribed notion of what you consider to be new.” It is in this spirit the troupe continues to surprise and engage audiences both here in the Pacific Northwest and far beyond.
Funny, Creepy, Dreamy, Beautiful – BodyVox Conjures the Halloween Spirit
After forming BodyVox in 1997, Hampton and Roland considered what piece could fit their esthetics as an annual performance. “We were sitting around our kitchen table and we had two young boys at that time,” recalls Hampton. “Halloween was our favorite holiday, not Christmas, and we said ‘Well, if we did a Halloween show it would have to be called BloodyVox’. It is very fun, as Halloween shows need to be, and parts of it are absolutely hilarious. Other parts are suitably creepy and theatrical and compelling and some parts are dreamy and beautiful.” The company only stages BloodyVox bi-annually so this will be their fifth production.
Even if you have seen a BodyVox performance, prepare to be surprised. Each year they reinvent pieces, bringing new features to their choreography and production. “We just made a new opening piece for BloodyVox” reveals Hampton, “and it is a take-off on The Exorcist we’ve called Victorian Secrets.”
But before you count the kids out, Hampton quickly clarifies, “No, they are not in lingerie, we just liked the name so much. It is really wacky and is all told with dance, beautiful dancing, but a lot of it is very funny.”
Reaching Across Genres
This spirit of fun permeates all of their work. To get a sense the creativity of BodyVox, here is a promotional video they released a few years back.
BloodyVox: Deadline October brings you everything from Hitchcock, Karloff, and Abbot and Costello to zombies and werewolves. “We just try to remain open-minded,” Hampton explains. “A couple years ago, Ashely said we should be doing something about werewolves. When I was kid, those old werewolf movies, they really scared me. These werewolves – while they are aggressive they are humorous too.”
Hampton and Roland collaborate on all aspects of the production. Beyond providing the over-arching concepts and choreography, they also contribute to the special effects of film, music selections and lighting. The company has a long history of collaborating with other arts groups, especially film and musical artists. So, reaching across artistic genres comes naturally to them. “The music in this production is fantastic,” says Hampton. “It is everything from Howie B. to Los Lobos.”
Their Own Stamp – Entertaining. Unique. Theatrical.
“They are very entertaining,” says Ken Johnson, co-artistic director of Johansen Olympia Dance Center, “and they are theatrical, drawing upon the directors’ time with the internationally acclaimed dance companies MOMIX and Pilobolus. They really give the performance their own stamp which makes it unique to BodyVox and the Northwest.”
Tickets for Bodyvox start at $25 and can be purchased on The Washington Center for Performing Arts website, by calling 360-753-8586 or by stopping by the box office.
BodyVox Masterclass for Intermediate to Advanced Dancers
Johansen Olympia Dance Center will host a masterclass with BodyVox dancers on Wednesday, October 24 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. “I think it is a great opportunity for the local dancers of different backgrounds and interests, to come together for a really great class,” says Johnson. “It will definitely be of value to their training and open their eyes to different ways of dancing.”
The class is presented by The Washington Center for the Performing Arts and is offered to emerging dancers age 12-years-old and up. “Whether it be ballet or contemporary or modern or jazz dancers,” Johnson adds, “this class will benefit them and be a lot of fun.” There are 60 spots available for this class with a cost of $15 per dancer.
For more information about upcoming events please visit The Washington Center for the Performing Arts website or call the box office at 360-753-8586.
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