Japanese produce, grown locally

Tokyo Oranges is a work for six dancers and is inspired by Shibuya, an incredible Tokyo intersection where five streets converge.

By ORI J. LENKINSKI
tokyo orange tadc 248 88 (photo credit: Gadi Dagon)
tokyo orange tadc 248 88
(photo credit: Gadi Dagon)
This year, choreographers Amit Goldenberg and Yaara Dolev have had a lot on their plate. Co-artistic directors of the Tel Aviv Dance Company (TADC) and the parents of two small children, Goldenberg and Dolev have been very active since taking over The Bikurei Haitim Center with a number of new initiatives: refurbishing the center's pre-professional training program for young dancers and undertaking a massive renovation of the center's large facility. The latter project is scheduled to come to a close with the opening of an in-house theater space. On top of all of that, they are premiering Tokyo Oranges at Tel Aviv's Suzanne Dellal Center this week. Needless to say, the dynamic duo will surely want a break after the end of these few exceptionally busy months. Tokyo Oranges is a work for six dancers and is inspired by Shibuya, an incredible Tokyo intersection where five streets converge. Goldenberg and Dolev observed the seemingly chaotic overflow of cars, bicycles and people who are all brought together alongside an astounding clump of traffic lights, buildings and action. What they discovered were patterns of movement created by the simultaneous choices of thousands of individuals. Amidst an enormous amount of bodies, there were moments of shocking isolation. Goldenberg and Dolev designed Tokyo Oranges with these images in mind. This work, however, contains one section that was not choreographed by Goldenberg and Dolev. Rather, Michael Getman, a founding company member, created a duet exclusively for Tokyo Oranges. Getman, who is now premiering work at the Curtain Up Festival, is a long time member of the Israeli dance community. His partnership with the TADC has been beneficial for all involved. Rightfully so, a team of excellent dancers join Getman on stage. This is really of no surprise considering that the most heard comment about the TADC is regarding their reputation for maintaining an amazing cast. Longtime and local dance lovers should immediately recognize the long limbs of Elad Livnat, a former member of the Inbal Pinto Dance Company. Another star dancer, at least in the eyes of this writer, is Roni Nenner who spent several years performing with the Batsheva Dance Company in their production, Anafasa. After returning from Itzik Gallili's company in The Netherlands, Nenner joined DeDeDance, the precursor of TADC. He's been working with Goldenberg and Dolev ever since. Noa Rosental, who also spent time with Gallili Dance, is the final member of this all-star cast. Having danced with many choreographers in Israel, Rosenthal's intense stage presence and physicality are extremely memorable. At the very least, Tokyo Oranges will feature some superb dancing. Getting a company off the ground is a huge undertaking. Even with the help of the Tel Aviv Municipality, Goldenberg and Dolev face an enormous challenge. But from their vast experience in the field, combined with a host of fresh ideas, the path upon which they've set out should be smooth and rewarding. But they still need our support and enthusiasm. So, if you are in the mood to support a young, family operation, then this is the week to do so and allow Amit and Ya'ara to whisk one of the world's most hypnotizing junctions in Tokyo Oranges. Tokyo Oranges debuts at the Suzanne Dellal Center on Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. for NIS 120, (03) 510-5656.