Torah in Motion: A Journey of Dance Midrash

Torah in Motion is a groundbreaking dance company that fuses the ancient wisdom of the Torah with the expressive power of movement. Through their innovative performances and educational programs, they bring the sacred texts to life, offering a transformative experience that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.

Torah in Motion was founded in 2005 by choreographer and künstlerische Leiter Tamar Rogoff. Rogoff, a former dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, was inspired by the richness and complexity of the Torah. She believed that the stories, characters, and teachings within these sacred texts could be interpreted and expressed through the language of dance.

Torah in Motion employs a unique methodology called "dance midrash." Midrash is a Jewish hermeneutical approach that seeks to interpret and expand upon the meaning of biblical texts through creative storytelling and commentary. In dance midrash, this process is manifested through movement, gestures, and the embodiment of the text.

Torah in Motion: Creating Dance Midrash

by Susan Freeman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2337 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	298 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The company's dancers immerse themselves in the Torah, studying the stories, themes, and historical context. They then engage in a collaborative process of translating the text into movement. This process involves improvisation, exploration, and experimentation, allowing the dancers to discover the unique embodiment of each text.

Torah in Motion's performance repertoire consists of a diverse range of pieces, each exploring a different aspect of the Torah. Some of their most notable works include:

• Genesis: The Creation - This piece captures the grandeur and wonder of creation, depicting the separation of light from darkness, the formation of the heavens and earth, and the creation of humanity.
• Exodus: The Burning Bush - This piece transports the audience to the wilderness, where Moses encounters the burning bush and receives God's command to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
• Song of Songs: The Ecstasy of Love - This piece explores the sensual and spiritual aspects of love, drawing inspiration from the ancient biblical love poem.
• Psalms: The Journey of Faith - This piece evokes the emotions and struggles of the human soul, expressed through the lyrical and meditative language of the Psalms.

In addition to their performances, Torah in Motion offers a range of educational programs that bring the art of dance midrash to schools, communities, and religious institutions. These programs introduce students to the Torah and Jewish culture through movement and creativity.

The company's educational offerings include:

• Dance Midrash Residencies - These residencies immerse students in the process of creating dance midrash, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore the Torah through their own creativity.
• Master Classes and Workshops - These classes and workshops provide students with an to the techniques of dance midrash and the opportunity to experience the transformative power of movement.
• Performance Outreach - Torah in Motion brings live performances to schools, synagogues, and community centers, showcasing the beauty and depth of dance midrash.

Torah in Motion has had a profound impact on the Jewish arts community and beyond. Their work has been recognized for its artistic excellence, earning numerous awards and critical acclaim.

Beyond its artistic merits, Torah in Motion has also been recognized for its educational and spiritual value. The company's programs have engaged thousands of students, fostering a deep appreciation for Jewish tradition and culture.

Torah in Motion stands as a testament to the power of the arts to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary expression. Through their innovative approach to dance and education, they continue to inspire and transform audiences worldwide.

Torah in Motion is a groundbreaking dance company that has created a new form of artistic expression by fusing the sacred texts of the Torah with the transformative power of movement. Through their unique methodology of dance midrash, they bring the Bible to life, offering audiences a visually stunning and deeply meaningful experience.

Their educational programs extend the reach of Torah in Motion, fostering a love of Jewish culture and tradition in students of all ages. As a result, Torah in Motion has not only become a leading force in contemporary Jewish arts but has also made a significant contribution to the wider world of dance and education.

Torah in Motion: Creating Dance Midrash

by Susan Freeman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2337 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	298 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE