Caleb Teicher & Chris Celiz Transform Solo Performance into Collaborative Art at The Joyce

The world of performing arts often celebrates the individual brilliance of artists, but when two artists from seemingly disparate disciplines combine their talents, the result can be a breathtaking ensemble piece. This is the case with tap dancer Caleb Teicher and beatboxer Chris Celiz, who have taken their brief artistic encounter and turned it into an exhilarating full-length show at the Joyce Theater, named ‘Bzzz’.

From Chance Meeting to Artistic Fusion

Teicher and Celiz first crossed paths at a conference in Miami and quickly discovered a shared musical heritage in the Black American traditions of jazz and hip-hop. Finding common ground in their respective arts, which both could be described as 'body music', they fused tap dance and beatboxing to explore their joint potential.

The Evolution of ‘Bzzz’

Originally a 15-minute piece presented at Fall for Dance in 2018, 'Bzzz' received such a positive response that it grew first into a 30-minute work, and now into a full 70-minute production. Not initially envisioning such an expansion, Teicher's insight during a moment of reflection led to the incorporation of another beatboxer, Gene Shinozaki, to broaden the piece's scope.

Inside ‘Bzzz’: A Celebration of Collective Artistry

'Bzzz' begins with a rhythmic encounter between Celiz and the tap dancers, a premise that grows as each new artist joins the mix. The show embraces the concept of inclusion and community, moving away from the competitive roots of Teicher and Celiz's solo work to a more collaborative expression, allowing for harmonies and ensemble dynamics not possible in solo performances.

An Invitation to the Audience

The show’s atmosphere is light and welcoming. Elements like simulated tennis matches with accompanying beatbox sound effects and interactive call and response sections draw the audience into the experience. 'Bzzz' is meant to be more than just a display of technical proficiency; it's an invitation to join in the communal joy of music and dance.

The Unseen Choreographer

In a departure from previous iterations of the show, Teicher has chosen not to perform in this version, instead focusing on choreography and providing an additional opportunity for a fellow tap dancer. This choice reflects the overarching ethos of 'Bzzz': the celebration of collective talent over individual showmanship.

collaboration, performance, ensemble