The Be’er essentials

The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company’s ‘Beyn Kodesh Le’chol’ explores the forces that impinge on the human soul.

By ORI J. LENKINSKI
Beyn Kodesh Le’chol_521 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Beyn Kodesh Le’chol_521
(photo credit: Courtesy)
This month, Rami Be’er will unveil his newest in a long line of works. The piece is entitled Beyn Kodesh Le’chol and will premiere at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv. Be’er is the artistic director of the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, a position he has proudly filled for the past 15 years. During that time, he has brought the troupe to new heights with his 40 eveninglength pieces. The company performs abroad extensively every season and is one of Israel’s most known and loved dance ensembles.
Beyn Kodesh Le’chol is an exploration of the forces that impinge on the human soul. Whether the end result is unity, healing, disjunction or the obliteration of memories, each person encounters challenges and obstacles along his/her unique path. These are the sentiments Be’er has chosen to focus in on with his new opus. Using props – such as an enormous amount of sand – lighting, costumes and music, Be’er conveys his thoughts on common tribulations. Be’er chose the score for the work, which includes selections from the music of four composers.
Be’er was born and raised in the Galilee on Kibbutz Ga’aton, the home of KCDC’s dance village. He began by taking classes with Yehudit Arnon, the legendary founder of the company. Thirty years ago, Be’er was asked to join the troupe. Fifteen years later, he took over the directorial reins and has stayed firmly put. Though the company is largely identified with Be’er’s choreographies, Be’er is known to invite other leading choreographers into his studios to create original pieces for the 15 dancers of the company. Just last year, KCDC hosted choreographers Itzik Galili and Christina de Chatel. The two artists, who are both based in Amsterdam, offered an evening entitled Black/White. During said evening, Chatel showed a piece entitled Pulse, while Galili presented Until.With/Out.Enough.
Expanding the repertoire of the troupe to include other names from the international dance community seems to be a goal of KCDC’s directorial staff. In fact, it seems to be an overall trend. Rumor has it that the Batsheva Dance Company will host London-based choreographer and former company member Hofesh Shechter next year. In July, The Project, a co-production of the Suzanne Dellal Center and the Israeli Opera, is set to become the only repertory dance ensemble in Israel.
Until now The Project functioned as a pick-up company, retaining dancers on a freelance basis. Now it is revving up to establish itself as a full-time team.
It seems that everyone is craving mixed programs, not excluding KCDC. Though nothing has been confirmed, there is talk that the 2011- 2012 seasons will bring some fresh faces to the Upper Galilee.
Other plans for the future hold the expansion of the dance village and further development of the Dance Journey Program. This project is geared towards foreign dancers.
Participants are treated to an intensive class schedule with company members and teachers. In addition, they receive the full kibbutz experience, living in kibbutz accommodations, eating in the dining hall and taking in the gorgeous view in Ga’aton.
KCDC’s repertoire showcases Be’er’s many talents, including lighting and costume design. As such, Be’er’s artistic and aesthetic touch extends far beyond that of his peers. Truly, each KCDC evening is conceived of and designed by Be’er himself. He is a fan of props, which he is known to design and build himself, and favors dramatic lighting schemes.
Beyn Kodesh Le’chol will run at the Suzanne Dellal Center on April 28 and 29. For information about tickets and other performances, visit www.kcdc.co.il.