I had the amazing opportunity to take class from Ohad Naharin alongside the Batsheva company members at Suzanne Dellal in Tel Aviv, Israel, aka the birthing place and continual research of the Gaga movement language.
An experience with such surreality and reality all bundled in one is such a blessing to have in my back pocket. It reminded me of humanity, the effects of self deprivation, and how to find courage within my inspiration.
I can hardly find words to describe this day.
03/15/16
I've been thinking a lot about this day lately. I was never one much for shining god-like light on a person too much. But seeing Ohad in a room just like he does every other day is still a shock. He seemed so comfortable as he spoke to us in class and afterwards. There wasn't a God-complex but rather a security, demand, and comfortability. While we were students, he expected things from us. Having us in his class was not a chore. Having us in their studio, with them in their space, did not put them off. The dancers mixed among us, encouraging us in very passive subtle ways.
My favorite was the atmosphere. He spoke of this later, his large collection of music and how he picks music solely on what kind of atmosphere it produces. One of his most used playlists has mostly Lady Gaga music for his daughter. And the atmosphere you create for yourself in the class. Baby is home. That is where we have all come from. Baby hands, feet, limbs, joints. Let us return to that body, that curiosity, that hunger, and that mind. Let us go there, now, together.
An experience with such surreality and reality all bundled in one is such a blessing to have in my back pocket. It reminded me of humanity, the effects of self deprivation, and how to find courage within my inspiration.
I can hardly find words to describe this day.
03/15/16
I've been thinking a lot about this day lately. I was never one much for shining god-like light on a person too much. But seeing Ohad in a room just like he does every other day is still a shock. He seemed so comfortable as he spoke to us in class and afterwards. There wasn't a God-complex but rather a security, demand, and comfortability. While we were students, he expected things from us. Having us in his class was not a chore. Having us in their studio, with them in their space, did not put them off. The dancers mixed among us, encouraging us in very passive subtle ways.
My favorite was the atmosphere. He spoke of this later, his large collection of music and how he picks music solely on what kind of atmosphere it produces. One of his most used playlists has mostly Lady Gaga music for his daughter. And the atmosphere you create for yourself in the class. Baby is home. That is where we have all come from. Baby hands, feet, limbs, joints. Let us return to that body, that curiosity, that hunger, and that mind. Let us go there, now, together.