Phoenix Dance Theatre's Interplay: The Mixed Bill That Redefines Movement

Julia Wagner · 2026-06-30

### A Mixed Bill That Delivers More Than Steps When Phoenix Dance Theatre announced *Interplay*, I wasn't sure what to expect. Mixed bills can sometimes feel like a sampler platter—a little of this, a little of that, but nothing you'd crave again. This one's different. It's the kind of show that lingers in your body for days, like a song you can't stop humming. ### The Pieces That Stood Out *Interplay* brings together three distinct works, each with its own pulse. The opening piece sets a playful tone, with dancers weaving in and out of sync like a conversation you can't quite follow but love anyway. The middle section slows things down, exploring weight and silence. It's the kind of choreography that makes you lean forward in your seat. And the finale? Pure adrenaline. The ensemble moves like a single organism, and you forget where one dancer ends and another begins. ### Why This Matters for Dance Professionals If you run a studio, choreograph, or teach, you know how hard it is to find work that challenges both dancers and audiences. *Interplay* does exactly that. It's not just about technical prowess—though there's plenty of that. It's about storytelling through motion, about trusting the audience to feel rather than just watch. Here's what struck me most: - The use of space. Dancers claim every inch of the stage, from the wings to the edge, making the theater feel intimate and vast at once. - The musicality. The choreography doesn't just follow the score; it argues with it, then makes up. - The emotional range. You'll laugh, you'll get chills, you might even tear up. And that's before intermission. ### A Takeaway for Choreographers One thing I kept thinking: this is what happens when you give dancers agency. You can see their personalities in every phrase. As a choreographer, that's the dream—to create a framework where performers can be fully themselves. *Interplay* isn't about perfection; it's about presence. And that's a lesson worth bringing back to your own studio. ### The Bottom Line Phoenix Dance Theatre's *Interplay* is more than a mixed bill. It's a reminder of why we do this. Whether you're a seasoned choreographer or a student just starting out, there's something here for you. Catch it if you can. And if you can't, look for the company's next tour. Trust me, you'll want to see what they do next. *Have you seen Interplay? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.*