Ezralow is the only independent choreographer to present work on the Israeli Opera's beautiful stage.
By ORI J. LENKINSKIezralow(photo credit: )
This week, there is a noticeable buzz amongst dance fans because American choreographer Daniel Ezralow is bringing his piece Why Be Extraordinary When You Can Be Yourself to town. With just four shows, the local run starts Wednesday night at The Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center. Ezralow's show is the second in an excellent season, sandwiched between the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Cedar Lake Ensemble. Ezralow is the only independent choreographer to present work on the Israeli Opera's beautiful stage.
Born in Los Angeles to Israeli parents, Ezralow still lives there today. He made a name for himself as a dancer in troupes such as Pilobolus and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. From there, he became a founding member of the international success, Momix. As a choreographer, he has worked in film, fashion, television and Broadway. In Israel, he has set pieces for the Batsheva Dance Company and Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. He is the winner of an Emmy as well as a host of other prestigious awards.
Why was created when Ezralow was working on a reality television show in Italy - one similar to just about any other show of the genre. In reaction, Ezralow began thinking about life's myriad questions, all of those "why's."
"Too many people were brought up with the idea that they had to be extraordinary. We are okay just exactly as we are. Just to be yourself is to be extraordinary," Ezralow told Billboard. His inspiration for this piece was real people dancing. He says, "I like the concept that everybody does dance. Real people move and I find my inspiration from them."
At the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center from Sept 24-27. For more information visit israel-opera.co.il or call (03) 692-7777
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