A true pleasure to sit down with Nicholas Garlo of our main company, hailing from Jupitar, Florida and learn of his background and personal experience dancing in Kibbutz Contemporary Company and living at our company’s home at The International Dance Village in Kibbutz Ga’aton, Israel.
Tell us a bit about your dance background and where you’re from.
Nicholas here, I am originally from Jupiter, Florida. Before dance, I was a gymnast. I was diagnosed with scoliosis, and the doctor told me to take up ballet, “it helps with posture,” he said. I started dancing in middle school, and then never stopped.
Where did you study and where did you dance prior to joining Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company?
I attended an arts middle and high school in southern Florida, with a dance program, this is where my formal training began. After high school, I received my BFA in dance from the State University of New York at Purchase College. Throughout my time there I also studied at numerous summer intensives.
Post commencement, I worked with a choreographer in Europe, before joining a ballet company based in Illinois. I also participated in the Hubbard Street Professional Program as well as worked with a contemporary company in Chicago.
Nicholas Garlo (Second From Right) | Photo by Udi Hilman
What attracted you to the movement language of Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and Rami Be’er’s work?
I was fortunate enough to see the company perform ‘Horses in the Sky’. I remember sitting in that theater seat in disbelief. The dancers’ knowledge, ability, and versatility in vertical and horizontal dance are out of this world. This company makes up a cohesive unit as a whole; however the individuality in spirit, artistry, and movement quality from each unique dancer was, for me, the most impactful take away. I mean, the level of physicality is just mind-boggling; and you can also tell the dancers are well-versed in various techniques ranging from classical, to contemporary, to floorwork. However, their abilities to do all of that previously stated above, while looking like supermodels is just the icing on top of the cake.
What is it like living among professional dancers, international dance students, and dance professionals at The International Dance Village in Kibbutz Ga’aton, Israel?
The way of life in Kibbutz Ga’aton is like nothing I have ever seen nor experienced before. I am grateful to be a part of this community here. Before joining the company, another dancer mentioned to me it was like a long summer camp, this is something that stuck with me.
Living amongst such like minded individuals and other artists is a dream. To be able to find the stability in your standing leg and your family in the same place, it’s pretty crazy.
Can you share with us how/what you feel dancing with the company on stage?
Dancing with the other company members on stage is an honor. These beautiful individuals, inside and out, manage to keep each performance feeling fresh and new, while rooted in consistency. Their presence from an audience perspective is magnificent. However connecting with them on stage, as an equal, is an adrenaline rush that is hard to describe in words. The feeling of being so present, is both vulnerable and powerful. That connection with the other dancers and with the audience is a feeling you won’t forget.
Nicholas Garlo | Photo by Udi Hilman
What’s your most memorable international experience with the company?
Not yet applicable, but very excited to change that.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Hug your friends.
Connect with other individuals, love, make art, and try to be a good person. There is enough chaos going on in this world as it is.
Come dance with us at our home at the International Dance Village in Kibbutz Ga’aton, Israel and take part in the:
