Evie Ladin’s all-female percussive dance company MoToR/dance explores the complete expression of the sonic body in space. Inspired by the vibrant International Body Music scene to workshop complex physical rhythmic independence with world rhythmic systems, Evie created MoToR/method: unique interlocking percussive dance arrangements with layered vocal harmonies and large group choreography in a powerful moving choir.
An in-the-moment experience that feels innately human, tactile and personal, but also utterly and completely communal. – East Bay Express
MoToR/dance works harmonize Appalachian and related songs layered with African-diaspora rhythmic systems, elucidating elements of this tradition’s genesis. The large ensemble works are evocative and moving works of music/dance, and resplendent dance films.
Stunning work and performing, as always, with such integrity and artistry. – Randee Paufve, Producer 8x8x8
MoToR/method challenges dancers physically and intellectually on precision and expression, breath control, tone, musicality; while developing ensemble and personal rhythmic/harmonic solidity. Pushing the envelope in Body Music and Contemporary Dance, company members and audience remark that the work is singular in its visceral power and integration of systems, exceptional in drawing audiences into shared human experience.
Inspired to DO Body Music? Get in touch!
-Digital Body Music Mini-Lessons @crosspulse.com/shop
– MoToR/dance’s annual production is presented in conjunction with the International Day of Body Music, always the first Sunday in February, in honor of Brazilian Body Music pioneer Fernando Barba of Barbatuques. Over 24 hours that spans time zones, Body Music performances and community events happen around the world, connecting us, in rhythm.
2025 • MoToRING ON • sold out shows
In times of discord and disagreement, MoToRING ON joins distinct styles of Body Music as a means of building connection and community among artists, invited ensembles, and audience. Presenting this dance show at Ashkenaz instead of a proscenium theater, the artists reimagine the space, bringing the audience close, as a village square. Artistic Director Evie Ladin invited two other groups with contrasting approaches to skilled performance using nothing but the human instrument, to join her MoToR/dance company in a dynamic concert: the virtuosic Corposonic Trio (Keith Terry, Bryan Dyer, Steve Hogan) with singer Veotis Latchison, and the diverse, highly trained youth ensemble Westlake Tap Division led by LoRee Kenagy. Challenging the tap ensemble to experiment with leather-soled shoes, Ladin further asked them to collaborate with Corposonic, who would provide a Body Music soundtrack for their dances. The audience is invited to join a crowdsourced performance of “Bring Me Little Water Silvy,” Moira Smiley’s arrangement with Evie’s choreography, that has gone viral in the choral world. Creating a rich visual and aural experience, MoToRING ON is an immersive concert that involves no instruments but bodies and voices.
MoToRING ON CREDITS
Artistic Director: Evie Ladin
MoToR/dance [Company Bios]: Keira Armstrong, Heather Arnett, Tammy Chang, Kristen DeAmicis, Dana Gerstein, Valerie Gutwirth, Evie Ladin, Sydney Lozier, with Linda Carr and JJ Hansen
Corposonic: Keith Terry, Bryan Dyer, Steve Hogan
with Veotis Latchison
Westlake Tap Division: Artistic Director LoRee Kenagy
Elle Angeles, MJ Cheung, Ellis Delfino, Mira Joshi, Ariana Jostad, Charlie Laurel, Marley Olmo, Isabel Padia, Makena Potencion
Lighting: Dean Bosche/Outdoor Film
Sound: Babe
PR: Jill Randall
Many thanks to Ashkenaz, Crosspulse, all of the Artists, and individual donors. If you are moved, any further donations go directly to Artist Fees. In times of dwindling arts funding, we value our community.
PHOTO GALLERY: Lisa Berman & Anton Delfino
MoToR/dance’s first evening-length production, Water in the Kettle premiered February 2023 to Sold Out shows and rave reviews, so the ensemble restaged the show twice in the 23-24 season: at Manny’s in the Mission, and back at Rhythmix in Alameda. Artistic Director Evie Ladin’s body music choreography (harmony singing, body percussion, rhythm dance), illuminates the maddeningly recurrent struggles of modern women, and the country, with intention, humor, and connective rhythm. We put water on to boil when we organize, commiserate, work, celebrate, refuel. The multigenerational ensemble – women raised by feminist mothers, still fighting the same fights – harmonizes over polyrhythmic body music, “I just might soak it up and some.” Put some water on, we have a lot to discuss.
More About WATER IN THE KETTLE/Photo Gallery
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Dean Bosche/Outdoor Films
A dynamic, exciting work for…an unbelievable ensemble.
– Joanna Harris, Bay Area Stringer
All evening new sounds and rhythms are introduced, our bodies
a seemingly endless source of possibilitiesin the hands of Ladin and her collaborators.
– Jen Norris, Dance Reviews
The performers demonstrate a virtuosic command of the interplay between physicality, rhythm, and musicality
to poke, prod, interrogate, and propose perspectives on what it means to be a woman
—often with a delightful dose of dry humor
– Molly Rose-Williams, Life As A Modern Dancer
Oakland-based artistic director, banjo player, singer/songwriter, percussive dancer and choreographer
Evie Ladin has created the equivalent of a masterclass
in poignant and exuberant choreography and compelling storytelling.
– East Bay Express
MoToR/dance history
MoToR debuted vocabulary at the 6th International Body Music Festival, Oakland, 2013 and premiered their first work AIN’T NO GRAVE at the famed 8x8x8 choreographer’s showcase in Oakland, 2014, where it was proclaimed “the event of the night.”
The work was sonically recorded by Jeff Cressman (Santana), and the film directed by Mark Kohr (Green Day, Norah Jones) was selected for the 2015 American Dance Festival’s Movies by Movers and Sans Souci Film Festivals.
MoToR/dance debuted a second complete work, THE STORM, at the 2015 International Body Music MiniFest, with an ensemble of 13. Selected for the 2019 American Dance Festival Movies by Movers Film Festival and the 2020 San Francisco Dance Film Festival, the film was sound recorded by Jeff Cressman, and shot and edited by Chafic Saad/Kind Motion (STOMP, Google).
MoToR/dance was deep in creation for WATER IN THE KETTLE, delving into the contradictions in women’s work in a re-feminist age, and the country’s neglected foundational notions of equality – when the pandemic canceled the year of performances. The group detoured into filming DRUMSET, a Fiona Apple song, and Evie diverted from long form plans to the 15-60 second #MoToRMonday on TikTok and other socials. With a CA$H Grant in hand from San Francisco’s Dancer’s Group, and a Jubilation Fellowship, MoToR/dance resumed focus on their first evening-length show, and WATER IN THE KETTLE premiered to Sold Out crowds in February 2023. the ensemble restaged the work at an intimate venue Manny’s in San Francisco’s Mission District, and two sold out shows back at Rhythmix February 3, 2024, with support from CA$H and Zellerbach grants. The edited FILM of the work from Dean Bosche/Outdoor Film was released November 20, 2023, available for rent or purchase here.
MoToR/dance again produced two concerts before the International Day of Body Music 2025, inviting virtuosic ensembles Corposonic and Westlake Tap Division to sold out houses.
Appearances include:
•Sold Out World Premiere @
Rhythmix, Alameda
•Sold Out MoToRING ON @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley
•International Body Music Festival
•8x8x8 Choreographers Showcase
•Albany Bulb Dance Festival
•Trolley Dances, San Francisco
•University of San Francisco
•CREATE Festival, San Francisco
