BodyHype Dance Company can claim a triumph that only a few modern dance troupes can — a large and loyal following. A staple of Princeton's arts community with a reputation for eye-popping, original and professional-quality choreography, BH does not disappoint.
While other theater and dance groups lament their fate of performing in blackboxes scattered throughout campus, BH consistently sells out coveted venues like Richardson Auditorium and Theatre-Intime. It is its power to attract dance enthusiasts as well as dance 'lay people' simply looking for a good show that makes BH arguably Princeton's most popular dance group.
Word of the group's talent continues to spread farther and farther off-campus, with gigs at Disney World last summer and a college campus tour scheduled for next fall.
Self-described as a jazz and hip-hop dance company, BH has honed a unique style in its 10 years of existence that also incorporates lyrical and modern dance traditions. Watching BH perform, one is struck by the precision of the movements and is reminded of the adage that "dancing is in the details."
Though the kicks and leaps are appropriately impressive, it is the synchronism of the toe touches, the sharpness of the head nods, the uniform carriage of the arms and the wonderfully tailored facial expressions that propels BH into a category all its own in Princeton's dance world.
Also characteristic of BH is its desire to push the performing envelope, choreographing sexually charged pieces that manage to be exciting without being vulgar.
BH alumni carry the torch, with many continuing to perform after graduation, both on the East and West coasts. Several recent alumni are members of dance troupes or are performing off-Broadway.
BH boasts some of the most technically schooled dancers on campus. Members Sharon Park '02, Amanda Whitehead '00 and Taryn Wayne '01 all danced professionally before deciding to pursue a more academic lifestyle.
The remainder of the BodyHypers also possess a high degree of technical training with many continuing to hone their skills through the dance program at 185 Nassau. As Jean Lee '00, a member of BH since her freshman year, remarked, "Although it is not a requirement to join the company, most of the BH women have had extensive dance training before coming to Princeton."
The BH spring show in Theatre-Intime (May 4-7) promises to be an entertaining showcase of the group's talents.
The line-up includes hip-hop pieces to the music of Missy Elliot and Kid Rock. Also in the mix are a piece en pointe (classical ballet) and an all-male number, as well as a hard rock piece.
In between the dances, there will be humorous video clips of BH members as well as the campus comedy improv group Quipfire!.
Also not to be missed is a special cameo appearance of an up-and-coming Princeton dance group (hint: think back to the fall show).
Do not miss out, as BH continues to distinguish itself as a dance company of the highest caliber.
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