Don't say a word

It's of no great surprise that there exists a constant dialogue between dancers and choreographers around the world.

By ORI J. LENKINSKI
Dance is much more than movement and aesthetics. It is an international language with the power to speak beyond cultural differences and linguistic boundaries. As such, it's of no great surprise that there exists a constant dialogue between dancers and choreographers around the world. Using the body as instrument, these artists have forged gaps - both geographical and psychological - to create one community of movers. This synergy is represented this week with The Tel Aviv Dance Festival 2008, Britain/Israel/Holland at Tel Aviv's Suzanne Dellal. The best of each of these country's choreographic voices and dancers will present various short pieces over the festival's two-day run. Representing Britain is choreographer Jonathan Lunn with the duet Self Assembly. A man of many talents, Lunn, beyond creating dance, directs for film, opera and television. His work has been performed on stages large and small across Europe and the United States. Self Assembly uses a combined language of text and movement to explore the various ways two people can connect, understand, love and inform one another. And, he communicates all this in one fifteen-minute work. Israel, the home team, is led by Talia Paz performing a new work by the Batsheva Dance Company's own Sharon Eyal. These two ladies make up a powerful duo, each one occupying an important place in the local dance community. A member of Batsheva for over fifteen years, a few years ago Eyal debuted as a choreographer to rave reviews. Her works Bertolina, Love and Markova-Kibisa have been performed in Israel and abroad numerous times. She has a distinct bad-girl flare, which comes through in her work in various ways - whether in her seductive costumes or heavy electronic music. Just to be clear, however, she is not without her softer side. Talia Paz's long limbs and electrifying stage presence have taken her far from home. After setting sail for Europe fifteen years ago, she found herself working with Scapino Ballet Rotterdam. Two years later she joined Sweden's Cullberg Ballet where she worked with the legendary Matts Ek, among others. Currently the ballet mistress of Batsheva, Paz continues to perform, mainly solos, around the globe. Paz recently returned from New York City's Fall For Dance Festival, where she was received with characteristic praise. Finally, bringing us insight into Dutch dance is the solo Affi by choreographer Marco Goecke. Dancer Tadayoshi Kokeguchi effortlessly brings the songs of Johnny Cash to new heights in this piece. Goecke is the house choreographer for Stuttgart Ballet. In addition, he creates works for numerous other dance companies around Europe, including Scapino Ballet Rotterdam. It was there that he met Kokeguchi, whose intent concentration on stage has won over critics world-wide. The combination of the familiar chords of Cash, the grace of Goecke's movement and Kokeguchi's precise presence define Affi. For many of us native English speakers living in Israel, language and communication are every day concerns. I often find myself frustrated, having missed the key word in a sentence or not expressing myself verbally in the way I intended. Britain/Israel/Holland is a great opportunity to take a break from breaking your teeth as it offers a tasting menu of dance from three nations communicating in a realm that extends far beyond words. So you never even have to open your mouth. Britian/Israel/Holland takes place on November 20 and 21. For more information visit suzannedellal.org.il.