Virtual Premiere of Ariel Rivka Dance’s “UNORTHODOX” & Workshop
Virtual Premiere of Ariel Rivka Dance’s UNORTHODOX
& Dance Workshop
Collaborating with composer Stefania de Kennessey to create an original score inspired by the drive and tradition of Klezmer music, the Unorthodox performance speaks to the juxtaposition of grungy raw realness and the simple polite version of ourselves we often portray to the world. What happens when you unzip the dress to breathe? The title is inspired by the book by Deborah Feldman (and the Emmy-nominated Netflix show starring Shira Haas) about a young woman who leaves a very strict Hassidic sect.
After the performance, join Ariel Rivka Dance for a family-friendly dance workshop! Using the fundamentals of modern dance, yoga, and creative movement, participants will be guided through a dance warm-up and movement explorations. We will explore feeling restricted and free, as well as the range of movements between holding yourself tightly together and moving loosely and freely. How can we show those feelings with a gesture? A movement? A facial expression? How does your body change when you feel those opposite feelings? Participants will learn choreography from the dance routine and reflect on how the movements express the emotions. Together, we will use dance as a storytelling medium to find our own personal creative expression. For all ages and abilities. No experience necessary.
Discussion to be moderated by Rabbi Mira Rivera with guests Ariel Grossman, Danita Shaheen and Hana Tirosh.
Ariel Rivka Dance (ARD) is an all-women contemporary dance company based in New Jersey and led by Artistic and Executive Director, Ariel Grossman. ARD’s mission is to champion female creatives through original choreography, commissioned music, and curated family and educational programming. Drawing from Ariel’s personal experiences as a Jewish woman and mother, the company shares stories that resonate with a broad audience. Through movement, ARD creates a community of vulnerability and acceptance, providing opportunities for hope and connection. ARD works within New York and New Jersey primarily.
Ariel Rebecca (Rivka) Grossman founded Ariel Rivka Dance in 2008. As a native New Yorker, she trained at LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and the Performing Arts and the Joffrey Ballet School under the direction of Gerald Arpino. She earned a B.S. in Dance and a Minor in Women’s Studies from Skidmore College. Ariel draws inspiration from the struggles and joys of the human experience, particularly through being a woman and mother. Through collaboration, she encourages her dancers to bring themselves to the work — molding pieces that are striking, evocative, and multi-layered.