Launched by Martha Graham and Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild in 1964, this Tel Aviv-based company has evolved into an Israeli treasure bearing the personal artistic stamp of Ohad Naharin. His intrepid dance, marked by intense physicality, explodes with bracing impact that has made him an international contemporary dance phenomenon. Searching to expand the boundaries of dance, Naharin has turned Batsheva into a prolific meeting point for artists of all disciplines — composers, filmmakers, and lighting, set, and costume designers being part of amazing collaborations.
About the Company
During the late '60s, Martha Graham herself went to Israel to choreograph a new dance for this young company. It was the only dance she ever made for any company other than her own. In the process she discovered Ohad Naharin who would join her company a year later. His choreographic debut in 1980 was followed by another decade of performing before he was named artistic director of Batsheva Dance Company in 1990. Naharin's appointment launched a new era for the company. He has assembled an intense and stimulating group of dancers - today with 17 in its performing ranks and has led his company to international stature.
Critic's Comments
"No one can be immune to the emotional charge of the choreography, especially the rhythmic pulse of the movement and its sudden breakdown into isolated muscular minutiae. This is no dancing you will see anywhere else."
- The New York Times
"With his athletic dancers and provocative choreography, Naharin carves out a world where madness waltzes with grace."
- The Washington Post
Evening's Program
Batsheva performs Deca Dance, excerpts of eight dances Naharin created over the last decade. The reshuffled pieces (set to music ranging from classical to rock) come together in a fresh mosaic. Speaking about constructing this evening-length work, Naharin has said, "It was like I was telling only either the beginning, middle, or ending of many stories, but the elements become even more interesting and stronger than the original form."
Performances at Northrop
1995 and 2004