Using masterful and jaw-dropping movements to express personal stories of injustices, inequality, struggle, and perseverance, the dancers of FLEX AVE. bring a physically astounding new dance form to the Moss Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Featuring 10 dancers presenting solo improvisational works set to a live DJ mix of reggae, hip-hop, and pop music, the performance will be held in the center’s Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre, located within the Street and Davis Performance Hall at 190 Alumni Mall.

FLEX AVE. represents the best of the high-energy dance culture, flexing. Bubbling up from the streets of Brooklyn amidst instances of social injustice, flexing is characterized by rhythmic contortionist movement combined with waving, tutting, floor moves, and gliding.

Developed from various Jamaican street dance styles, this distinct art form has been embraced by the pop mainstream, including artists like Beyoncé, who featured a group of flex dancers in her 2018 performance at Coachella.

At the heart of FLEX AVE. performances are narratives of perseverance and struggle—over violence, mental illness, and loss of family, for example. The dance company is fueled by its will to use creative expression as a tool for social change and a catalyst to overcome adversity.

As The New York Times says, “This dance form, these artists won’t be boxed in.” 

FLEX AVE. is the creation of flexing dance pioneer Reggie “Regg Roc” Gray, an American dancer, director, and choreographer known for choreographic works rooted in social justice themes. Gray has presented breakthrough works at New York’s Park Avenue Armory, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and Manchester International Festival, along with a premiere of his most recent work, “Maze,” at The Shed in New York City.

According to Gray, “FLEX AVE. allows the audience to peek into the world of a community that encourages individuality and expression through the lens of street culture and explores the human experience in the world today.”

This performance is supported in part by Joseph A. Hopkins and Linda W. Hopkins.

Please note that this FLEX AVE. performance may contain explicit recorded song lyrics.

Related events

Immediately following the performance, join FLEX AVE. dancers for a discussion of the work in a post-performance question-and-answer session. In addition, dancers with the company will visit Forest Park Academy in Roanoke for a performance and presentation on the roots and techniques of flexing for students in grades 9-12.

Tickets

Tickets for the performance are $35 for general admission and $10 for students and youth 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased online; at the Moss Arts Center's box office, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; or by calling 540-231-5300 during box office hours.

While Virginia Tech students can always attend any Moss Arts Center performance for only $10, the center also offers free last-minute rush tickets for students who sign up for text notifications. To receive these notifications, text “arts” to 31996. Availability of rush tickets varies by performance and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last in the box office. Virginia Tech ID will be required for admission.

Parking

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street. Virginia Tech faculty and staff possessing a valid Virginia Tech parking permit can enter and exit the garage free of charge. Limited street parking is also available. Parking on Alumni Mall is free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kacy McAllister at 540-231-5300 or email kmcallis@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to an event.

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