Resonance performance this weekend a production of the West End Academy-based Conflux Dance Theater

Among the many ballet, contemporary, hip hop, modern and tap dancers that spin, stretch and leap in the studios of the West End Academy of Dance in Henrico County are the members of the Conflux Dance Theater.

Under the direction of professional dancer Miguel Perez, the 11-member modern dance company is putting on its fourth season show “Resonance,” tonight and two performances on Saturday at the Grace Street Theater in Richmond.

The show features six different pieces.

“We start with a contemporary ballet because a lot of our women used to be in ballet companies, so it's a way for them to showcase their artistry, and their technical ability,” Perez said.

He describes Conflux as diverse, not only in the way the dancers look, but also their ages.

“It’s not so common to have dancers that are from 21 to 46 years old,” said Perez, a professional who has danced on stage with modern companies including Cirque du Soleil, as well as live on stage for Celine Dionne, Shania Twain, and the Donny and Marie Osmond Show. “We have a few moms in the company. We all come from different backgrounds, but we're all here because we're passionate about the arts. We love dance.”

Perez said he started the dance company with fellow professional dancer Angelica Burgos to raise the bar the caliber of contemporary dance in the Richmond region, along with also giving back to the community. He now leads the company on his own.

“I didn't just want to have a company that performs,” Perez said. “I wanted to make an impact in Richmond. We like to bring our community closer together through dance. That's what sets us apart from other companies.”

Perez said Conflux has become a place where talented dancers from the many university dance programs around the state can continue practicing their art without leaving Virginia.

Assembling the company, Perez found a bounty of talent to pull from.

Perez choreographed a piece in Resonance dedicated to his grandmothers, both deceased, utilizing a song sung at parties in his home state of Arizona but also played during funerals.

A piece from Yusha Sorzano is based on the story of Anne Adams, a scientist who had a form of dementia that sparked creativity through painting, inspired by Bolero.

Choreographers Mike Tyus and Luca Francesco Renzi created a piece that reflected how they were feeling heavy with the world, utilizing giant rocks found next to the studio.

“I love it because their piece is super physical and completely different than a lot of the stuff that we've done and theatrical in a way,” said Perez.

A piece by choreographer Norbert de la Cruz is a quartet about relationships.

Another work by choreographer Stephanie Martinez is about Johann Sebastian Bach.

“It's getting into his head of how he creates,” said Perez. “Not only was he an artist, but he's also very eccentric and a little outside of the box. We tried to, through dance, show how he would create, what is going on through his mind, throughout the piece.”

All the choreographers produced their works during week-long residencies at the WEAD, which drew in some new dancers with chops.

The WEAD website categorizes the benefits of dance as more than physical, classifying dance as being a total body workout that allows people young and old to explore new movements, improve coordination and rhythm, increase memory and build strength and endurance. WEAD asserts that beyond the physical development, their students also benefit emotionally by having the opportunity to express themselves freely, and socially by interacting and working with others in class.

Conflux included two aspiring student dancers in apprenticeship roles.

“I saw such a growth in these dancers,” Perez said. “It's one thing to be the best at your studio, but then to be surrounded by these talented dancers, they've lived life and they've had other experiences. That rubbed off on our apprentices. They all grew as artists.”

At an informal showing at the WEAD studio, Conflux invited families and the dancers for a mini-performance with a question and answer session, for the students to see what it takes to be a dancer in college, how to get an agent and to take their art to a professional level.

“Not only do we need more dancers, but we need more patrons,” Perez said.

The Conflux dancers embody WEAD’s assertion that the art form is an activity that stays for a lifetime.

Conflux also trains adults in dance in a free community dance class on Saturday mornings.

The Resonance performance includes full company pieces along with smaller works.

“That's what I love that people will come and they'll fall in love with something,” Perez said. “They might shed a tear. They might laugh. They might leave inspired. That's what sets us apart as a company, versatility.“

The show’s tagline is “Experience movement that echoes through space and soul.”

“I feel really lucky to have these incredible dancers that are passionate but smart and dedicated,” Perez said. “We only rehearse a few hours a week, only two days a week. So it takes a lot of dedication and people working on their own and being prepared and being in shape.”

Perez who teaches dance at multiple studio venues including university dance programs has clear ideas about the importance of the artistry level. Health is key for dancers.

“To me, it's a lifestyle,” Perez said. “You have to think about how much sleep you're getting. The moment you wake up, you think about what you're putting into your body, how you're feeling, to maintain the energy and the stamina to get through a day, especially when you're working at such a high level for these performances. We're running an hour-and-a-half show back-to-back.”

Perez takes Pilates and a lot of yoga. He also lifts weights.

He said he always wants Conflux’s shows to be primarily about entertainment,

“The world is heavy enough,” Perez said.” We don't want to come see a show and feel even heavier when we leave. I think audiences are going to feel proud and excited that there's a company like this in Richmond.”

Dina Weinstein is the Citizen’s community vitality reporter and a Report for America corps member, covering housing, health and transportation. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.