Israeli Choreographer Wins Lifetime Award
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Ohad Naharin, the artistic director of the Israeli-based Batsheva Dance Company will receive the 2009 Samuel H. Scripps/American Dance Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth is reporting.
Naharin, who studied and worked with dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, has directed the innovative modern dance troupe since 1990. In addition to his choreography, Naharin developed the dance technique and training-method Gaga, helping dancers learn to initiate their movements in specific ways.
Naharin will receive the $50,000 prize in a ceremony June 25 at the Durham Performing Arts Center during this year’s American Dance Festival. His piece “Decadance” will be performed there as well, by the Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Former recipients of the prize include Graham and Alvin Ailey.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
