Following her return from overseas study, NAISDA student Shana O’Brien reflects on her time in Israel.
Why did you travel to Israel? Tell us a bit about the classes you took while you were there.
I travelled to Israel because I was really interested in the unique movement style that they have there. Every person that I had seen that had danced there embodied a beautiful fluid quality and I was really interested in exploring this style through my own physicality.
While I was there I took some time to take open classes at Batsheva Dance Company the birthplace of the GaGa technique. I then spent some time observing rehearsals with our physical theatre teacher Omer Backley-Astrachan who was premiering his work Valley at the Suzanne Dellal Centre.
I then went on to attend the two-week summer intensive with Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company. It was a very full schedule with contemporary, ballet, repertoire, body technique and workshops with guest teachers.
During this time, myself and other international dancers lived and danced in the village alongside the company members who sometimes taught or took class with us. We also had the opportunity of watching them perform.
Tell us a little about the support you received from NAISDA.
The scholarship I received was one that is given to a diploma student in their final year of study to support them in a short study overseas as a part of their secondment.
What was the most valuable lesson you took away from the experience?
I think coming away from this experience I definitely had a shift. My intentions have changed. Rather than being driven by external factors like opportunities, jobs or recognition of some kind, I am now driven by a love for what I do and the personal improvements that I want to make.
Getting outside of my comfort zone and experiencing dance at an international level opened my eyes to how varied dance can be. It is not limited to our pre-existing notions of what dance and dance technique must be. As an art form, it is constantly pushing and expanding. Really it is quite limitless to what form it must come in and that’s really exciting.
How do you think the experience has helped your dancing?
It has really helped with my focus and confidence. I feel a lot more comfortable exploring my limits, dynamics and movement qualities inside the classroom. I no longer feel like my dancing needs to look like anyone else’s. I also feel a stronger sense of my own identity.
Traveling alone you really learn a lot about yourself. I feel that I now take more time to check in on myself. Make sure that I’m making decisions that align with my morals and values. As I strengthen my sense of self, I feel my dancing improving because I am building an inner confidence and that is really special for me not only as a performer but also as a young adult.
Any must-do attractions or travel tips that you want to share from your time over there?
Israel has a very rich and complicated history. Before traveling there, I tried to do my research but it was hard to grasp! But being there I could better comprehend it. For example, in the old city of Akko you can literally explore different layers of the city and architectural differences of when it was ruled by different people.
But definitely my favourite place was the Grottoes. There are beautiful white caves by the Mediterranean Sea and you walk through tunnels with this thunderous sound of waves crashing and at points you can see the water flowing in with little bits of sunlight creating beautiful blues and waterspouts.
What advice do you have for any young dancers considering auditioning for NAISDA?
Audition.
Audition and see if it feels right, you’ll know. I originally auditioned because I was searching for cultural knowledge and even though at the time I wasn’t planning on coming. After the audition, I just had this gut feeling that I needed to be here. Somewhere along the line I decided to give it my all and pursue a career in dance. But no matter what journey my life takes me on next my time at NAISDA has shaped who I am.
I have learnt culture. I have been influenced by some incredible role models. I have made family both with my classmates and also the staff. I don’t think you could find another institution like this anywhere in the world.
Dance is an art form that is you, it is your body. Therefore, studying dance ultimately, you are studying yourself and how you fit in this world. So, I would highly recommend NAISDA, for anyone who is willing to put their heart into it.
– Shana O’Brien