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DANCE JOURNEY PROGRAM testimonies
Human brain is made in way that, when time has pass and you look back to your past experiences, you kind of "disguise" them a little.
That's making history.
As my experience here in Kibbutz Gaaton is not over, there is no make up on it.
I always thought that if you want to be a dancer, you better live in a big city because that's where "it's happening". And so I did it, I went from big city to big city running after the good teachers running after whatever, running... At some point I realized that I was running after wind and I started to dream about this quiet place where I could train as much as possible. In the middle of nowhere...
I started to "runaway" a little bit and things brought me to Israel. That's how I found out about the Galilee Dance Village. I arrived here with a lot of personal goals and totally ready to be lonely or whatever. But I had no ideas of how much the people here (the teachers and the staff, don't forget the students) care about us, how much they're ready to push us, whatever the level or the background we have. Whatever where we come from, It is, like someone here told me, "all about the love of dance".
It is this place where you can live you passion and really improve yourself without being treated like a number, without being poisoned by anything or anyone.
It's a place where you can learn about yourself more that you could have ever imagined.
Sophie Melis, Belgium
Dance journey
Kibbutz contemporary dance company
I am a Canadian who has spent half my life living in the United States. I have been dancing professionally since 2006, after graduating from the University of California, Irvine with a BFA in Dance and BA in English Literature. I have always been inspired by the prolific modern dance culture of Israel and jumped at the chance to experience it firsthand through the MASA Dance Journey Program.
Here at the Galilee Dance Village, opportunities abound for us to train, perform, create, network, learn Hebrew, travel, and experience Israel. For me, it has been an immeasurably unique privilege to thrive as a dancer in a non-urban setting—this place is a one-of-a-kind international dance laboratory nuzzled in the rural hills of northern Israel! We spend our days dancing alongside accomplished artists. We work inside bright studios overlooking meadows and expansive blue ocean. (Yes, really).
My time here has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my personal and professional life as an artist. I would recommend it to anyone who desires to experience Kibbutz life and Israeli Contemporary Dance (prepare to be sore, prepare to sweat!).
Alex Bradshaw, CA USA
Dance journey
Kibbutz contemporary dance company
When I decided to come in KCDC Dance journey, it was not without questions and fears. Not only because it is far from home but also because I had a lot of desires. I knew it was training with dancers and teachers of the KCDC Company and that the persons in charge of the program were adorable but I had no idea about what was expecting me...Well, I have been here almost a month now and this experience is amazing.
We are learning parts of Aide-Mémoire, a piece of Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company witch is extremely strong and emotional. I feel deeply concerned because of my family history, but it is not only the subject; the moves, the music, everything implicates you so much, it is a huge chance to have the opportunity to learn and perform it.
Besides we have Ballet and Modern classes where I gain in strength, flexibility and quality of movements. I am more than satisfied with this training because I was learning by myself with open classes for years so I really appreciate to have this monitoring.
Moreover, on the early morning, evening and week-end there is always space where I can warm up or train. For me, leaving in the same place where you are training is very pleasant. It offers me relaxing and availability to what I am focus on.
I found Kibbutz Gaaton very pretty, green and friendly and on week ends I can stay to relax and train or go on trips!
So for all those reasons and lot more I would say that I am very happy of my choice and I appreciate day by day my chance of being here.
Delphine Jungman, France
Dance journey
Kibbutz contemporary dance company
My name is Liat Mendelsberg, I'm from Mexico City, I'm 23 years old and I’m a dancer.
I have a family full of artists, dancers, choreographers, light designers, musician, and I've always believed that the dance world it's magic, a place where you can transform, complete, be yourself and even create a new world.
This amazing place called Kibbutz Ga'aton is where the art and the nature combined in a way that you can't imagine.
From day 1 you are full of wonderful people that support you. And I'm taking about everybody, the dancers (yes KCDC´S dancers), the teachers, your companions. Everybody is here to help you, to hear you and to teach you.
I've been here a month, and what I can tell you is that this program is so much better that you can imagine. Is designed to make you the best dancer that you can be, and believe me when I'll tell you is so much more that you think. Fighting with the grand plié, pain, bruises and a lot of sweat. I've never been more happier dancing in my life. I love it.
I really recommend that everybody who dance is everything in his life, this the place to live it, to love it.
Liat Mendelsberg, Mexico City
Dance journey
Kibbutz contemporary dance company
In all honestly the dance journey program is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
It allowed me to learn about not only dance but about myself, culture and more than I could ever have imagined. The idea of living on a dance village is so unique and can not be explained. There really are no words to describe the incredible journey and special experiences that happen on kibbutz ga'aton.
Its one of those events in life you need to live through and experience to know how lucky you are to have gotten that opportunity.
Roselle Feldman, MA USA
Dance journey
Kibbutz contemporary dance company
Last year I graduated from the University of performing arts (major Choreography) in my hometown- Bratislava. Since I knew there is so much more in the practical field that I could learn from, I was looking for an intensive dance experience.
I have been to Israel a few times before, but I never thought there would be something interesting for my future career. All of this changed when I saw performance of Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and found out about the MASA international program (which I am part of now). Uniqueness of Israeli dance culture is one of the main reasons I was so attracted to come and why I still am so excited to be here.
I have been here for over 6 months now and my fascination from how such a SMALL country has so many BIG people increases every day. Professional approach towards me has been more than satisfying and I feel very comfortable around Israeli teachers, organizers, people...
I feel that this whole experience has been unbelievably enriching and that I have grown professionally and personally. I know that after this program, I will be able to use all my knowledge to become a better dancer, choreographer, friend, and person.
Sandra Kramerova, Slovakia
Dance Journey
Kibbutz contemporary dance company
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