Acrobatics, dance, and surrealistic stage sets blend for Diavolo Dance Theater’s “Transit Space” and “Trajectoire.” The two works will be presented by the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech on Friday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m.
Diavolo Dance Theater is an internationally renowned modern acrobatic dance company composed of people of varied training, including dancers, gymnasts, actors, and athletes. Under the guidance of artistic director Jacques Heim, the company has developed a reputation for stunning, innovative movement on oversized imaginative sets and everyday structures.
“Transit Space,” which is inspired by the movement of skateboarding, is a piece about the space between the areas people inhabit, both emotionally and physically. Exploring the ways people are in constant motion, like skateboarders, “Transit Space” showcases the company’s amazing physical capabilities.
A visceral and emotional journey, “Trajectoire” examines loss and abandonment. Set on an abstract 21st-century galleon, the group is set adrift upon the ever-shifting landscape of human relations in modern society and must sink or swim. At journey’s end, the piece shows the transcendence of the human soul against all odds.
The Center for the Arts has worked closely with the dance company to coordinate a range of educational and community outreach activities during their visit. A professional development opportunity will be offered for graduate students in Virginia Tech’s School of Education. This movement-oriented workshop is designed to help teachers infuse dance and kinesthetic learning into the classroom, resulting in the creation of new curriculum approaches, as well as health benefits and improved attention.
Diavolo and the center are working with Blacksburg digital advertising agency Modea to present a corporate development workshop for Modea employees. The dance company will use movement to provide vital business skills that are not always taught in the classroom, such as trust, teamwork, listening, focus, and communication.
The company will also present a special interactive program for area students in grades six through eight; the program will feature excerpts from Diavolo choreography, an opportunity to meet the dancers, a trust and teamwork discussion, and a question and answer session.
“Soar: Take Offs & Landings” is a special session in which participants are instructed in the fundamentals of flight, spotting, and catching. Attendees will be taught how to maintain unbroken focus and body shape as they practice the essentials of flying and catching techniques on Diavolo’s unique sets and structures.
The performance will be in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Moss Arts Center’s Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall. Tickets are $20-$30 for general public and $10 for students and youth 18 years old and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Center for the Arts’ box office, noon to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300.
