“A whole lot of chaos” – on touring Rewards for the Tribe
Interview with Cody Lavery (CL) and Mike Hodyl (MH) from the Rewards for the Tribe cast
What can audiences expect from Rewards for the Tribe?
MH: Well, it is very different to all the shows. We dance with objects, obviously they are attached to us. A lot of dance and strobe lights.
CL: A whole lot of chaos, unpredictability, spontaneity.
What’s it like working with Antony as a choreographer/director?
MH: He is very fun to work with, very fun. He loves energy, loads of energy. Which I bring as well, I adapt to his energy and style.
CL: It's always so much fun working with Antony. He brings a lot of playfulness into the process which I love!
What’s your favourite bit of choreography to perform?
MH: My solo, there is a lot of technique, a lot of transfer of weight and you see some magic hands.
CL: I like the duo between Mike and I at the end of the work. Before we start our duo, we have a moment of just looking at each other... that's probably one of my favourite bits!
Cody and Mike at the beginning of their duet in Rewards for the Tribe, 2022. Image by Jeff Busby.
What’s the best thing about being on tour?
MH: The best thing about being on tour is the experience. It’s about seeing and exploring new things and being adventurous. Explore what’s surrounding you.
CL: Being able to travel somewhere new and share this experience with everyone in the crew is a gift!
What’s the hardest thing about being on tour?
MH: Missing family, they miss you, but you are busy dancing. You can get tired, not much down time. That’s the only hard bit.
CL: I feel like there's nothing too hard about being on tour. It's a dream and I think we're incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to share this work!
If you weren’t a dancer, what would you be doing?
MH: I’d be a surfer… I would like to learn more. Also, a good fashion male model.
CL: I love music, photography, film and fashion so anything to do with those things haha!
A short snippet of Cody and Mike’s duet. Video by James Wright.
