Israeli choreographer and dancer Ohad Naharin was the Artistic Director of the internationally celebrated Batsheva Dance Company for nearly three decades before assuming his current title of House Choreographer. During his tenure with Batsheva, he developed Gaga, the innovative movement language and pedagogy that has defined the company's training and characterizes Israeli contemporary dance. Ohad discusses his relationship to Maxim Waratt and creating music, describes what it was like to work with famed modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, and shares why he feels rehearsing in front of mirrors is not as helpful as many dancers think.
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And don't miss this Moving Moments episode. One of the most acclaimed dancers of our time, Wendy Whelan had a distinguished career for three decades as Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet, before becoming the first female to take on a leadership role with the company as Associate Artistic Director. Wendy and Alicia reminisce about taking classes together at Steps on Broadway, discuss Wendy's early struggles to be cast in a wider array of roles, and talk about Wendy's hope to leave a legacy of support for future generations of dancers. • Wendy Whelan talks Res...
Photograph of Ohad Naharin by Ilya Melnikov.
Show art by Andrew Eccles courtesy of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The Moving Moments theme song is composed by Saul Gaunipa, for Videohelper.
Moving Moments was co-created by Alicia Graf Mack, Jessica Handelman, and David Krauss.
This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format.
Episode copyright © 2023 Artful Narratives Media.