A true pleasure to sit down with company dancer Yarden Oz from Mevaseret Bayta, Israel and learn of her 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.
My name is Yarden Oz and I’m 28 years old. I was born in Israel in a village called Mazkeret Batya. I started dancing in high school under the direction by Marjolein Gottesman.
Where did you study and where did you dance prior to joining Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company?
After high school I studied at the Maslool Professional Dance Program directed by Naomi Perlov while I served in the army. Then I lived in MIlan, Italy for two years while dancing at Accademia di Susanna Beltrami and upon returning to Israel, I worked in Tel Aviv with different choreographers.
Yarden Oz
Can you tell us a bit about your experience as a dancer in the second company, KCDC2, and your transition to joining the main company?
I joined the second company (KCDC 2) at the age of 24. It was exciting for me to learn the movement language of Rami Be’er language for the first time and to perform some of his classics like “Aide Memoire.” After one year in KCDC 2, I joined the main company. I felt I had been well-prepared, learning the roots of Rami’s language.
What attracted you to the movement language of Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and Rami Be’er’s work?
I feel that Rami’s language is based on Israeli identity. Grounded and explosive. In a way, always looking for ‘home.’ And on top of that , there are always new words in this language, according to the dancers, and to what is happening in the world.
What is it like living among professional dancers, international dance students, and dance professionals at The International Dance Village in Kibbutz Ga’aton, Israel?
I think the kibbutz is one of the most beautiful places in Israel to live in the nature around me. Every day brings me peace and reminds me what’s important in life.
Can you share with us how/what you feel dancing with the company on stage?
I think that to be on stage for any performing artist is a great and essential need. I love performing with my talented friends in the company. They bring me inspiration on and off stage.
What’s your most memorable international experience with the company?
The performance I remember the most is for sure my first one. In Biarritz, France. During the show, with all the stress and excitement, I remember feeling that I finally found my place.
Come dance with us at our home at the International Dance Village in Kibbutz Ga’aton, Israel and take part in the:
