Pre-Show Santos Salon Series with Tina Finkelman Berkett

Join Tina Finkelman Berkett, founding Artistic Director of the acclaimed Los Angeles–based company BODYTRAFFIC, for a pre-performance salon conversation moderated by Charles Santos. Known for helping put LA contemporary dance on the global map, Berkett will share insights into her artistic vision, the company’s dynamic repertory, and the creative collaborations that have shaped BODYTRAFFIC’s rise as one of today’s most exciting dance companies. This special discussion takes place before performances on March 20 and 21 at Moody Performance Hall as part of the Santos Salon Series at TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND.

TINA FINKELMAN BERKETT (Founding Artistic Director) is a visionary leader in contemporary dance, known for curating original, compelling repertoire and redefining the art form across the U.S. and internationally. Tina grew up in New York City, attending Stuyvesant High School of Math and Science and graduating summa cum laude from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a double major in Mathematics and Economics. Her love of dance was ignited by her teacher and mentor, Michele Cuccaro Cain. Tina’s professional dance career began at Aszure Barton & Artists, a distinguished contemporary dance company, where she quickly became a featured dancer and then Barton’s assistant, teaching both in the U.S. and abroad. A true highlight of Tina’s career was being a founding member of Mikhail Baryshnikov’s Hell’s Kitchen Dance and touring internationally alongside Mr. Baryshnikov himself.  Tina began her interest in arts administration when she served as the company’s dancer liaison. In 2007, Tina relocated to Los Angeles and launched BODYTRAFFIC with Lillian Barbeito. In 2020 she became the company’s sole Artistic Director. Under Tina’s leadership, BODYTRAFFIC has become a beacon in the global dance community, known for its innovative choreography, world-class dancers, and powerful performances. Through her curation and vision, Tina continues to foster a vibrant artistic community that captivates and inspires audiences around the world. Tina would like to acknowledge her family for serving as her greatest sources of love and inspiration: her parents, Guzmán, Jack, and Sofia.

Tina Finkelman Berkett’s position at BODYTRAFFIC is generously unwritten by Jennifer and Tony Smorgon.