Fall '04 & Spring '05 Featured Programs

October 31, 2004, 10:35 AM - 12:00 noon
Lishmah Conference

The Lishmah Conference is a one-day event focused on "traditional and non-traditional Jewish learning." Avodah will present a workshop, , led by Julie Gayer and Kezia Gleckman Hayman (Avodah performer and teacher since 1987). An experiential workshop in which participants are guided to explore text through movement, this session will focus on the theme of struggle, including the application (through movement) of elements of conflict resolution. No dance experience is required.
Skirball Center for Adult Jewish Learning, 10 E. 66th Street
For more information call: 1-866-2LISHMA or: www.lishmah.org

January 6, 2005, 6:30 pm
Mayim: An evening of dance performance & lecture with Guest Speaker Rabbi Norman Cohen
This program is inspired by The Mikvah Project, with photography by Janice Rubin and text by Leah Lax. The evening will include choreography by Julie Gayer related to Mikvah and multicultural interpretations of water, as well as M'Chamocha and Hallelu, choreographed by
JoAnne Tucker and re-staged by Kezia Gleckman Hayman. Rabbi Norman Cohen will speak about the symbolism of water in the Jewish tradition. This promises to be an exciting event.
Hebrew Union College, 1 West 4th Street (between Mercer and Broadway), NYC
email; Call: (808)-298-1709 or (212)-477-1368


PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING 2004 - 2005

Mayim Workshops and Residencies Avodah is creating workshops and residencies focusing on the theme of feminine empowerment and the healing qualities of water. Using movement, text, and percussion, participants will be guided through improvisation and choreography from Avodah's repertory. This project is particularly appropriate for:
1) an intergenerational grouping of women from different stages of development including teenagers, adults, and seniors, and
2) women exploring healing.
Avodah is currently working on a proposal to expand the Mayim project by integrating yoga, dance, and percussion with women dealing with Cancer.

Shabbat Services, Interfaith Services, Workshops, Concerts, and Jewish Holiday Programs in Liturgical and Educational Settings
In addition to concert performing, Avodah has a long tradition of integrating dance into Shabbat services. This year we keep this tradition alive with several dance pieces: 1) L'hadlik Ner, a dance about candle-lighting and candlesticks, 2) M'Chamocha, inspired by Biblical mention of Miriam and women celebrating after the parting of the Red Sea, 3) Hallelu, based on Psalm 150, 4) Without Walls, an interfaith piece based on a poem, and 5) Shalom Rav, a simple piece inviting congregants to participate from their seats. Avodah also leads "Dance Midrash" sessions, a creative way of understanding text through movement explorations. Avodah is always open to developing programming that complements the themes an organization or group is studying. Please e-mail Avodah.


© Avodah Dance Ensemble