A Welcome Change

Of course the big news is the move into our new BodyVox Dance Center. It is a major event in so many ways. Most obviously, our enhanced visibility on the street level makes access to our company and programs much easier for the public. We held a "Free Dance Class Day" on September 12 at the center; we estimate 160 people came through the building that day, to take classes or watch.

There is a more subtle but equally powerful change taking place at BodyVox. Last Tuesday, at our weekly staff meeting, I said, "Is it my imagination, or is everyone dancing better since we moved here?" There is a palpable shift in the intention behind our movement since we began to inhabit this inspiring new space. Gestures seem to mean more, leaps want to be higher, poetic passages want to be imbued with greater gravity, and humor is, well, funnier. Maybe it's just nice to be driving a new car for a change. Maybe it's more than that. Maybe the synergies between the moving parts of BodyVox are juiced because the center allows for greater fulfillment of all of them. Our main company rehearsals, our wonderful apprentices working alongside, learning company rep for their own shows, our classes bringing new people through our doors, to learn and experience BodyVox, take something of value away. Our admin offices being more efficient, more professional.

There isn't a single aspect of BodyVox that hasn't undergone profound change as a result of this move. With change comes opportunity as well as challenge. We know the newness won't last forever, but for now we're both reveling and recalibrating. And, I must add, having a wonderful time of it.

Thanks,

Jamey Hampton
Artistic Director,
BodyVox