Winter 2007: Interview with Julie Gayer in Jewish Parent Page: Passover - Dance and Movement
November 2006: Trinity College, Trinity Tripod
by Lauren Turlik
"Mayim: A Ritual of Transformation" was the next piece to be showcased. Three members from the Avodah Dance Ensemble performed this piece. In the beginning, the trio danced different movements, but all with the same gentle and calm feeling. One of the most interesting choreography features was a playful dance where two of the dancers controlled the steps of the other. They would pull her arm, push her head, and kick her leg, but not in a violent way. The solo dancer would respond to the actions by moving in that same direction, for instance, if her shoulder was pushed backwards she would spin backwards.
September, 2003 Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps
Miryam Kabakov, Program Director
"Each year the AVODAH Corps Members participate in a movement workshop with the Avodah Dance Ensemble. The work JoAnne does touches the individual on such a visceral level, that the group rates the workshop as one of the highlights of their year."
April 10, 2002 The New York Times
DANCE REVIEW | 'DANCES OF THE SPIRIT'
Mind, Body and Spirit, With the Biggest Focus on Spirit
By JENNIFER DUNNING
"There seems to be little interest today in creating dances that express spiritual themes. But three choreographers mined the vein - to a capacity audience - on Sunday afternoon in "Dances of the Spirit," a program in the informal Sundays at Three: Jewish Voices series at the 92nd Street Y.
Two dances stood out, with one by JoAnne Tucker, who represented Judaism, and one by Lynn Parkerson, representing Catholicism. Ms. Tucker's "Heroic Deeds," danced by her Avodah Dance Ensemble, distilled community need in a quartet as stark as its score by Ives.
Isolated dancers made solitary journeys. Eventually all but one dancer
interacted supportively. The dance built to a poignant moment when the
hymn "Rock of Ages" filters through the score. "Heroic Deeds" was
performed by Andrea Eisenstein, Jessica Sehested, Danielle Smith and
Kerrie Thoma."
" . . . the other dances by Ms.
Tucker . . . also had a physical and emotional rootedness
reminiscent of modern dance of another era."
"There are not too many practicing choreographers of dance based on
religious themes in these godless days. In her quiet way, JoAnne Tucker
is one of the most persistent and one of the best, creating simple,
luminous and heartfelt dances based on Jewish traditions."
The Dancer's Magazine
by Susanna Sloat
(Writing about Let My People Go!"In a particularly efective sequence the plagues are delivered by Otis (vocal soloist) with rings of the bell and wine-dipping motions as at a seder, but the dancers become more and more agitated, falling into contorted positions or dragging themselves across the floor, makingthe horrors of those plagues hit home."
"Let My People Go!"packs a punch. "Powerful" said the people around me to each other. It seems poised to move on for another 10 years."
The Day, New London, CT Sunday June 2, 2002
by Steven Slosberg
"Forgiveness danced its way through the York Correctional Institution in Niantic a few weeks ago, spellbinding those who beheld it and moving those who delivered it.
"The inmates braved putting themselves into modern dance routines during the several rehearsals, and then on public display. Alice Fitzpatrick, director of the New London-based Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut, was invited to a performance.
'Auditions, classes, rehearsals and the public performance created an atmosphere of elation, cooperation, pride and accomplishment that would amaze most observers,' she said."
Quote from a rabbi from recent performance:
"I cannot even begin to find the words to adequately thank you for the
asethetically beautiful and spiritually fulfilling Shabbat Service you
provided for the congregation which literally overflowed our Sanctuary
earlier this month. Every movement and every gesture added a new depth
to our understanding of our liturgy and mover our congregants and guests
in a most profound manner.
From the many pre-teens and teenagers who
shared the Service with us to the older members of our congregation --
whom I feared might be uncomfortable with such a nontraditional approach
to prayer-- the praise was unanimous nd enthusiastic.
We thank you for
bringing such an enormously moving and dignified Shabbat to Wellington
and we look forward to a return engagement in the not-too-distant
future."
Rabbi Stephen Pinsky, Temple Beth Torah, Wellington, F
". . . Tucker captured the spirit of the texts, and "Shema" effectively contrasted relentless pacing, representing concentration camp regimentation, with sudden outbursts, symbolizing the prisoners' turbulent personal feelings."
Jack Anderson, The New York Times
"Avodah Impacts Audience"
Willa J. Conrad, Toledo Blade
"Passionate rendition of a dance rooted in Jewish liturgical and ceremonial tradition"
Thomas D. Young, Old Gold and Black, Wake Forest University
"Seeing the New York-based Avodah Dance Ensemble is an edifying cultural experience.
Besides providing riveting entertainment, the group brings history, poetry, and critical social
issues to life."
Justine Sutton, The Independent, Santa Barbara
"Moving and thought-provoking"
Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times
"Quietly moving interpretation of the lyrics"(About I Never Saw Another Butterfly)
Jennie Schulman, Backstage, New York City
"Strong ensemble.. particularly persuasive in their projection of the emotional essence of the
work."
Barbara Gilford, The New York Times (NJ Section)
"The emotional impact was surprisingly strong though there were no
props and the costuming was practice wear." (Describing a rehearsal)
Dora Sowden, Jerusalem Post
"The four women brought to life biblical psalms and stories, interpreting scriptures in a dance midrash and executing them with lyricism and strength."
Elizabeth Eck, The Owings Mills Times