Whirling into San Francisco December 12 – 16 to give a week-long workshop at ODC, will be the renowned Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. I had a chance earlier this week to interview Yehuda Maor, company teacher and Assistant to the Artistic Director, to find out more about this intriguing and exciting company and discuss what this workshop has to offer.

In performing the original creations of Artistic Director Rami Be’er, the Kibbutz Comtemporary Dance Company acquired its exclusive and unique character, which has become its trademark. His works are uniquely his own language in movement — arousing much interest and curiosity with audiences both in Israel and abroad, and as a result the company continues to enjoy an ever increasing demand for its performances on stages worldwide.

Currently on tour throughout the US and Canada, the workshop has 2 purposes:  the first is to scout for, and audition, new dancers for the main company, and the second, to invite qualified dancers into their Masa Dance Program, a 5 month supportive dance apprenticeship program to work alongside the main company in Israel. At the end of the 5 month period, chosen dancers are then invited into the main company. Yehuda further described that the company prefers all of their dancers to have strong ballet technique, but they are not strictly a ballet company. In particular, they are looking for Jewish dancers (as they can obtain an immediate grant and it’s easier for the company to obtain a work permit for them), however, any qualified dancer will be considered.

The workshop will start with an hour and half technique class (open), followed by repertory and partnering work. Dancers may drop-in for the technique class or for a day or register for the entire week.

For more information on the workshop, please click here for the ODC website or call the front desk at (415) 863-9830. Click here for more information on the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company or their Masa Dance apprenticeship program. And, if you have questions for Yehuda, please email him here.