Zohar Brings Gaga To Sarasota Contemporary Dance

Arts & Culture

Photo by Ascaf. Courtesy of Sarasota Contemporary Dance.

Sarasota’s dance community is in for a treat and a challenge May 14 with the arrival of Erez Zohar of Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company, who will be visiting the state and stopping in Sarasota for one day to teach a master class with Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Invited to Sarasota in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, which also sponsored the trip, Zohar will lead a single 75-minute session introducing Gaga, the movement language originated by Batsheva Artistic Director Ohad Naharin and taking the dance world by storm over the last decade.

Described as a movement language as opposed to a technique or style, Gaga supplements a dancer’s development through integration into daily practice and exercise. Much like movement-oriented yoga, the goal of Gaga is not only to increase strength, flexibility and stamina but also to go beyond the physical into the realm of self-awareness and discovery. A rarity in the dance world but in tandem with the inward focus, Gaga practitioners often forgo the mirrored studios commonly preferred.

As co-founder and artistic director for Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott can express passing familiarity with the Gaga technique, having taken a class here or there and working with practiced performers, but she looks forward to bringing something new to her company and the community. “Working from the inside out,” she said, “Gaga conditions and prepares the body so dancers can move to their full potential.”

But more than a dance opportunity, Zohar’s visit also represents a continuing cultural exchange. “The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is proud to partner with Sarasota Contemporary Dance for this special class,” said Orna Nissa, director of Holocaust education and Israel programs at the Federation. “An important part of our mission is to provide positive Israel experiences for our community; one way we accomplish this is through partnership with the arts community.”

Held in College Hall at New College of Florida on May 14, Gaga begins at 10am and should run for 75 minutes. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased through Sarasota Contemporary Dance at info@sarasotacontemporarydance.org. Dance experience is recommended.

Photo by Ascaf. Courtesy of Sarasota Contemporary Dance.

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