The Body Shop

Can maintenance feel glamorous? Can lunges be sexy? How would Britney Spears do a calf raise?

The Body Shop, a contemporary dance-theatre duet, asks these questions and simultaneously draws inspiration from physiotherapy exercises, car enthusiasts, and early 2000’s music videos. Two mechanic friends work to maintain their “vehicles” with repetitive physiotherapy exercises that evolve into dynamic choreography and ultimately, the pop-music-video-fantasy of their dreams. Tethered to themes of escapism and resilience, The Body Shop allows us to find gratification in the tedious work required to maintain our bodies and invites us to have fun doing it.

Created by: Nicole Pavia & Abby Hunter

Nicole Pavia: Choreographer, Director

Abby Hunter: Choreographer, Director, Performer

Kira Radosevic: Performer, Collaborator

Tara Cheyenne Friendenberg: Creative Mentor

Tia Ashley Kushniruk: Dramaturg

Photography by Abby Selva