NORWICH – The Chenango County Council of the Arts and Norwich Jewish Center have partnered to present a special free program as part of the Koresh Dance Company’s two-day residency in Norwich, April 12 and 13. At 5:30 p.m. on April 12, Koresh Dance Company Artistic Director Ronen Koresh will speak and offer a video presentation at the Jewish Center, 72 South Broad St.
The Koresh Dance Company was formed in 1991 by Israeli-born choreographer, collaborator and teacher, Ronen (Roni) Koresh. Over the years, performances of the company’s original and innovative dance pieces have captivated audiences far and wide. There are bi-annual seasons that take place in Philadelphia, Pa., and the company tours not only on a national level, but also to destinations such as Spain, Turkey, South Korea, Mexico, Guatemala and Israel. Roni’s works vary from explosive and passionate to intimate and restrained. In addition to Roni’s original choreography, the company presents work by a number of guest choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Robert Battle, Donald Byrd, Itzik Galili and Paul Selwyn Norton.
The Koresh Dance Company is not only committed to dance instruction and performance, but is equally dedicated to community building and outreach. The Koresh Kids Dance program provides free weekly dance instruction to children in Philadelphia’s public schools. In addition to learning dance technique, the children learn about self-confidence, respect, discipline and healthy self-expression. The Koresh Artist Showcase offers an avenue for emerging talent in the Philadelphia area to present their work to a broader audience while remaining in a comfortable setting.
While touring, the diverse outreach offerings aim to connect with people of any age, both dancers and non-dancers alike. On the evening of April 12, Ronen Koresh will discuss his Israeli roots, how they have influenced his choreography, and will show video of recent collaborations of the Koresh Dance Company with Israeli artists Ohad Naharin and Itzik Galili. In addition, he will speak about his choice to leave Israel in 1983, as well as the current state of the arts in Israel. Included as part of the evening is a special reception, featuring Middle Eastern delicacies.
The project has been partially sponsored by a grant from Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, a program funded by The Heinz Endowments; the William Penn Foundation; the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency; and The Pew Charitable Trusts; and administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. This tour of the Koresh Dance Company has also been made possible by a grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
