Reborn to Krump: A new dance creation

Set to officially premiere next week in Tel Aviv, “Krump” marks the first creation made by Pollak for his own troupe, Avshalom Pollak Dance Theater.

By ORI J. LENKINSKI
‘KRUMP’ MARKS the first creation made by Avshalom Pollak for his own troupe. (photo credit: AVSHALOM POLLAK)
‘KRUMP’ MARKS the first creation made by Avshalom Pollak for his own troupe.
(photo credit: AVSHALOM POLLAK)
What is the connection between a 1990s-born street trend and a contemporary dance troupe from Israel? A thought that perhaps entered many minds upon reading the title of Avshalom Pollak’s new work, “Krump.” The former was born as a vehicle to express anger, to escape gang life and to unify fractured and alienated youth communities. It could be, that after the year Pollak and the company have endured, the same goals were in mind; to blow off steam and find a new foundation for togetherness.
Set to officially premiere next week in Tel Aviv, “Krump” marks the first creation made by Pollak for his own troupe, Avshalom Pollak Dance Theater. For 25 years, the actorturned- choreographer worked alongside his life partner, former dancer and choreographer Inbal Pinto. The two created scores of works both in Israel and for companies abroad, becoming a household name for dance lovers around the globe. Their famed creations, such as “Oyster,” “Shaker” and “Wrapped” are milestones in the local dance continuum, having etched out an aesthetic and movement language all their own.
Earlier this year, in light of insurmountable differences of opinion, Pinto left the company. Pollak regrouped, reconvened a new constellation of dancers and renamed the company. He got to work on a new creation, calling on both new and old collaborators to bring his vision to the stage. Lighting designer Yoann Tivoli returned to Pollak’s side (Tivoli’s ingenious lighting deeply impacted Pollak’s Slug) to illuminate the world of “Krump.” Illustrators Shimrit Elkanati, Roni Fahima and Shiraz Fuman put pen to paper to bring a visual art element into the work. Veteran company dancers such as the iconic Noga Harmelin joined Pollak on the creative journey. Thanks to Sivan Canetti’s costumes, the piece takes on a baroque look, with longtime Pinto and Pollak collaborator Zvi Fishzon crowned as king of a symbol-filled world. The significantly large cast of dancers trade bespoke suits and cravats for tutus and eventually, minimalist black outfits. A stark white backdrop serves as a canvas for the various emotions emanating from the bodies on stage. Anger and aggression shine through the movement, canceling out the sweetness that previous company works were known for.
This piece marks a new era for Pollak, his dancers and perhaps for the Israeli dance community altogether. Though Pollak is not a new dancemaker, the inaugural piece of a new troupe on the scene is nothing if not an event to be remembered. Avshalom Pollak Dance Theater will present “Krump” on January 3 and 4 at the Suzanne Dellal Center.
For more information, visit www. suzannedellal.org.il.