Podcast Title: Moving Moments
Episode: Ohad Naharin
Release Date: August 23, 2023
Host/Author: Artful Narratives Media
Description: Your ticket to candid conversations featuring the dance world's most accomplished and groundbreaking artists. Join Dean and Director of Dance at The Juilliard School Alicia Graf Mack as she sits down with her closest colleagues and friends to discuss the creative process and living a purposeful life in dance.
Introduction
In the season finale of Moving Moments, host Alicia Graf Mack engages in an in-depth conversation with Ohad Naharin, the renowned Israeli choreographer and dancer. Ohad is celebrated for his three-decade tenure as the artistic director of the internationally acclaimed Bathsheba Dance Company and for creating Gaga, an innovative movement language and pedagogy that has revolutionized dance training worldwide.
Early Life and the Innate Connection to Movement
Ohad Naharin begins by reflecting on his childhood, emphasizing a deep-rooted connection to movement that was driven by play and exploration rather than hyperactivity.
Ohad Naharin [02:58]: “Wasn't too much thought process, but there was a big need to move. I don't think I was a hyper kid, I don't think it came from that. But I think I did connect to the pleasure of movement.”
Growing up in an environment devoid of modern gadgets, Ohad engaged with natural elements like balls, sticks, and stones, fostering his creative spirit through unstructured play.
The Influence of Music
Music played a pivotal role in Ohad's formative years, deeply influenced by his parents' musical backgrounds.
Ohad Naharin [04:00]: “My mother was also a musician and my father loved music. So there was the listening to music, there was the playing of music, there was the studying of music, there was the appreciation of music, and there was the making of music.”
Exposure to a diverse range of musical styles, particularly classical music and the popular sounds of the 50s and 60s, provided a rich auditory landscape that shaped his artistic sensibilities.
Embarking on a Dance Career
Ohad's formal journey into dance began relatively late, post his army service, when his mother encouraged him to join the Bathsheba Dance Company in Tel Aviv.
Ohad Naharin [08:51]: “Coming up, my mother exposed me to dance performances. But most, I think, is that I myself love to dance. Always not to train, just to dance.”
His innate flexibility and natural affinity for movement allowed him to quickly adapt, leading to an apprenticeship with Bathsheba and subsequently joining the Martha Graham Company in New York.
Training with Martha Graham and Transition to the United States
Under the tutelage of Martha Graham, Ohad honed his technical skills and embraced the rigorous demands of the grand technique.
Ohad Naharin [11:37]: “She was bigger than life… you had to do contraction, cave turn, flex your muscles, walk against the wall.”
Although initially challenging due to his preference for a more fluid and loose movement style, Graham appreciated his unique qualities, likening him to another dancer, Bob Powell.
Academic Pursuits at Juilliard and School of American Ballet
Seeking further growth, Ohad enrolled in the professional study program at Juilliard while simultaneously auditioning for the School of American Ballet.
Ohad Naharin [13:52]: “I think people were turned on by the fact that this guy who didn't really dance can actually do things.”
His time at Juilliard was marked by intense training and personal growth, despite facing injuries and the pressures of balancing multiple disciplines.
The Genesis and Philosophy Behind Gaga
Post his academic pursuits, Ohad developed Gaga as a means to communicate more effectively with dancers and to explore new dimensions of movement.
Ohad Naharin [22:06]: “Gaga is a lot about finding the keys, first of all, to open up your own treasures before I give you my own treasure.”
Gaga emphasizes the connection to gravity, touch, energy flow, and emotional authenticity, allowing dancers to transcend habitual movements and discover deeper expressive potentials.
Leadership and Transformation at Bathsheba Dance Company
In 1990, Ohad took the helm of Bathsheba Dance Company as its artistic director. Faced with a company in need of revitalization, he infused it with his innovative approaches and Gaga methodology.
Ohad Naharin [18:22]: “I try to discover, research and share what I discover. … And I had a beautiful group of dancers and I had the time and the studios, and I started creating your company.”
Under his leadership, Bathsheba flourished, becoming a hub for experimental and groundbreaking dance performances.
Cultivating a Unique Dancer Ethos
Ohad prioritizes passion, creativity, and the willingness to abandon outdated ideas in the dancers he mentors. He advocates for dancing without mirrors to enhance instinctual movement and personal expression.
Ohad Naharin [19:23]: “Dancers that love to dance without mirrors… develop this instinct and knowledge of what they look like and what it sounds like to create a clear form, but without watching your own image.”
This philosophy fosters a more profound connection between the dancer and their movement, free from visual self-referencing.
Global Proliferation of Gaga and Its Evolution
With the establishment of the Gaga Foundation, Ohad has successfully disseminated his movement language globally. Despite the challenges of managing a widespread teaching network, technological advancements like Zoom have facilitated ongoing communication and updates.
Ohad Naharin [23:21]: “Gaga is a lot about how you connect to the force of gravity, how you connect to the sense of touch and the flow of energy…”
He views Gaga not merely as a method but as a dynamic movement language that evolves with each practitioner, maintaining its essence while allowing for individual expression.
Current Life and Reflections
Having relinquished some administrative duties at Bathsheba to focus more on choreography, Ohad reflects on his personal growth and the importance of harmonious relationships within his team.
Ohad Naharin [27:00]: “I can see how much maybe conflicting I was and how much less and almost zero conflicts now. I think it came from the appreciation and passion…”
This shift has allowed him to dedicate more energy to creative endeavors while maintaining the company's robust repertory and international presence.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Ohad expresses his desire for his work to persist beyond his personal legacy, hoping that the principles and discoveries he shares will continue to inspire future generations.
Ohad Naharin [28:29]: “People don't need to remember me, but I'd like them to continue to use what I share with them.”
His impact on the dance world is profound, shaping how dance is taught, performed, and perceived globally.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Alicia Graf Mack highlighting the transformative power of Ohad Naharin's work and his enduring influence on both dancers and audiences. Ohad's dedication to innovation, authenticity, and the liberation of movement continues to inspire and elevate the dance community.
Alicia Graf Mack [28:43]: “It changes you. The experience with the dancers, just being in the space with other people in the audience. It's an experience that it shifts your life as you go forward.”
Notable Quotes:
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Ohad Naharin [22:06]: “Gaga is a lot about finding the keys to open up your own treasures before I give you my own treasure.”
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Ohad Naharin [19:23]: “Dancers that love to dance without mirrors… develop this instinct and knowledge of what they look like and what it sounds like to create a clear form, but without watching your own image.”
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Alicia Graf Mack [28:43]: “It changes you. The experience with the dancers, just being in the space with other people in the audience. It's an experience that it shifts your life as you go forward.”
For those passionate about dance and the creative processes behind it, this episode of Moving Moments offers a profound exploration of Ohad Naharin's journey, philosophies, and lasting contributions to the art form.