Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Boker Tov! I am writing you all from my little kibbutz room on a Monday morning after a night of fitful sleep. I cannot tell if my lack of sleep is simply due to the fact that I went to bed to early or due to the fact that I am auditioning for my favorite company on Sunday and haven’t yet worked out the logistics of where I am going to stay and when I am going to go! I am assuming it is the later seeing as my cuticles are in terrible shape. My right pointer finger looks like it went to war with a paper cutter. Oh geeze…Other than that, I am well!

I have finally decided what exactly I am going to choreograph for the show here at the Kibbutz.  I started off with the idea that I would expand a piece that I’d previously choreographed so that by the time I got back to New York, I had something hefty to present places, but seeing as we have a time limit of 5 minutes, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. Then I thought I’d make a satirical commentary – through movement obviously - on kibbutz life. I certainly feel a certain way about them, but I don’t know how that would be received. So, in the end, I have decided to throw away deep meaning and am going to tell a funny and entertaining story through movement and Slavic music. This was my original idea for my senior project, so I feel good about my decision. Honestly, whenever I think of ideas for my piece I start giggling to myself and get super excited. I can’t wait to show you all the final project. I start my rehearsals tomorrow afternoon.

This past weekend I ventured to Jerusalem with a tour guide and then broke off with a few friends to continue on to Tel Aviv for another two days. I had such a fabulous time!  Jerusalem is really a gorgeous city! Unfortunately, the tour guide could have been better and we all lost momentum and started dragging before the end of the first day. I decided that I definitely have to go back on my own or with a few friends and take time to soak everything in.  There is so much to see, learn and appreciate that you really cannot be rushed. We managed to see the Kotel (Western Wall), walked around every Quarter, had dinner on Ben Yehuda, walked down the Mount of Olives stopping in a bunch of churches along the way down, went to the super fabulous and crowded shook (market), and finally went to the church of Jesus Christ. Very exciting, but way too much to soak in in less that two days time.

Tel Aviv was really fabulous! 6 of us checked into a small hostel on Ben Yehuda street about 3 blocks away from the beach. The weather was pretty great so we went everywhere by foot! The first day, my friend Moses took us all to a fabulous place for breakfast called Benedict. We ate like kings and consequently missed the dance class we had set out to take. We walked through the Tel Aviv shook and then I met up with Assaf – a good friend of mine from college who was visiting home for a few days. He took me to the old city and we ate lunch on the beach before he took me on a driving tour of the city and to his parent’s house. I had a little chit-chat time with his family and exercised my incredibly limited Spanish speaking skills, as his mother, Batya, spoke Spanish and Hebrew. It was really nice to be in someone’s home with family! 

In the evening, we all went for yet another fabulous dinner (I had roasted goose with winter veggies) and then went to see the Inbal Pinto show in the Susan Delall center. Let me first start by saying that the Susan Delall center is incentive enough to be a dancer. When you walk up to the center, it is like you are walking onto a tropical dance island. There is this beautiful building, which holds the theater and a small café that opens up onto a courtyard with palm trees and a humble fountain. If you travel back beyond the theater, you get to a smaller courtyard with citrus trees and stucco buildings that hold dance studios for Inbal Pinto and Batsheva (and others, I think)…Anyhoo – that evening we saw the Inbal Pinto performance of Rushes. It was easily the best dance performance I have ever seen. I felt like I had crawled into Inbal’s head and lived in her dream for an hour. Everything was perfectly seamless and beautiful and though it was sometimes random, it made perfect sense – like a dream. I could watch the show over and over again and not get bored. Sometimes I felt like I was watching a perfected version of Monica Bill Barnes’ work. So amazing… After the show, I introduced myself to Inbal who looked like an older version of a hipster. I said something along the lines of, “Slichah (excuse me), My name is Marissa. I think you are fantastic. I’ll see you next weekend.” ….Well, actually I think I said something more than that, but I was a little too star-struck to say anything substantive. I did tell her I was dancing in Israel and I thought she was brilliant and I would be in the audition this up-coming weekend. Good.

The rest of the time in Tel Aviv was good too. The second day we went for yet another fabulous breakfast and then took a walk along to the beach to the old city. We explored for a little and ate even more and then walked to the train. I was home by 9 in the evening and hit my pillow instantly. It was a full weekend!

So now my roommate, Elleka, and I are planning our trip back this weekend. I am excited. Friends, family, everyone – I just want to let you know that I think I could stay here for a few years. Just getting you prepared. If the opportunity arises/I get a job over here, I think I will take it. So, that means I am happy and you can all start planning your vacations to Israel now – haha, but seriously.

Okay – off to make breakfast. Sending lots of love to all of you!

Photo opp just before we went down into Jerusalem

Church of Mary in Jerusalem

Susanne Delall Center

Xo, Mernie/Marissa

In a Bit More Detail...

Dear all,

I have realized that I have managed to write several blog posts without going into detail about much at all. I thought that since I have some time to actually sit and write a thorough note, that I’d let you know a little more about what I’ve been doing.

Let’s start with the dancing: We have pretty full days here at the kibbutz as far as dance in concerned. In the mornings we usually start off with a technique class. Most days, we begin with ballet in the early morning. The ballet classes have been very freeing. We have had two teachers thus far, one used to dance in Cullberg Ballet and I’m not quite sure where the other danced. The class is contemporary and usually danced to pop music. Because we are welcomed to wear what we desire, I have found my movement not only becoming larger but also more fluid. I am still maintaining all of my technique, but I am also learning to dance the steps. As I become more immersed in the dancing aspect of it, I think that my technique and my confidence are taking hold and transporting me to new dancing places.

Our modern classes range from Graham-based technique to floor-work. I am actually amazed at how rooted in Graham the vast majority of our modern technique classes have been.  I say “Graham-based” because we rarely do a traditional exercise, however the movement usually initiates from a contraction/ release or spiral or other Graham fundamentals. Some of the classes sometimes feel more like boot-camp than dancing. Sometimes we do very simple exercises that isolate certain muscles. I don’t really mind it so much because I feel myself getting stronger and I also have the opportunity to dance through the repertoire. One of our teachers who leads one of these Graham-based classes about which I speak, ends the class with some salsa moves and then a quick dance party with vocals. She is pretty hilarious.  I’m glad I came straight from the Graham intensive to here because I feel totally prepared for classes.  Our floor class – on the flip side of things – is phenomenal. We literally never leave the floor, but I still managed to sweat buckets and feel like I am flying through space. I also managed to end up with all sorts of dust on me. I am a human mop!

Our afternoons usually consist of repertoire. We are currently learning KCDC rep as well as Mats Ek/ Cullberg Ballet rep.  For the Cullberg rep, we are learning sections from Giselle. The Mats Ek story goes that Giselle, instead of dying, ends up in a mental institution and the Willies are just mentally insane women running around in hospital gowns. It’s pretty hilarious, if you ask me. The whole thing is full of sex and humor. The group sections are pretty simple and angular, but the solos, which we just started learning are technically very challenging. Honestly, Giselle is not my favorite piece of rep that I have seen or danced, but I’m thankful to have the experience. Our teacher, Yamit, is also lovely to work with. Here’s a clip from the first act of Mats Ek Giselle. We’re learning act II right now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXPeLT6XSiI&feature=related

The KCDC rep, on the other hand, is an absolute joy to dance. I feel like I’ve seen primarily two different types of movement in KCDC rep. The first is primarily gesture oriented. We learned an entire section our first week that is stationary, yet full of beautiful gestures. The woman who is setting the rep, Mika, told me that I was breathing nicely in the movement which is a huge surprise to me as I feel I’ve constantly heard that I actually need to find my breath.  The other type of movement seems to be full-bodied, fast and flies through space. It’s quite aerobic, but lots of fun. Here, check out this section that we learned our first week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1EW7JJ2DQ4 We learned the section starting at 1:00.

Other mildly exciting things: At the top of this next month I think I’ll attempt my first big audition: Inbal Pinto. I sent in the video clips, CV and headshot that were required and got invited to audition on the 6^th. I don’t expect anything to happen, but I am pretty excited for the experience/free master class essentially!!

One last thing: I am trying desperately to figure out what I want to choreograph while I am here. I had a grand plan to expand one of my pieces to at least 20 minutes in length, but we are only allowed to present 5 minutes of choreography. I am a bit disappointed. It feels like I am in school again. I am hoping that within the next few days I get inspired by something Israeli and ideas start flying. I will keep you all updated!

Alright, friends. That is all for now. I am going to go ahead and start to plan my trip to Tel Aviv this weekend! I am going to hang out with a few friends and see Inbal Pinto dance. Sending love! Marissa 

Kibbutzim and Food!

It has been a whole week!! So much has happened, I don’t even know where to start. My life here, though unusually calm compared to my life in New York, has been very full. I started rehearsals for my piece here. I originally had the idea of expanding an old piece, but due to the fact that we only have 5 minutes to choreograph, I am going to start over next rehearsal and possibly create a piece about Kibbutzim.

Speaking of which… A few nights ago, we watched a video about the kibbutz movement. Kibbutz life reminds me of the whole American uptopian society/cult thing. It honestly creeped me out a bit. It basically seemed like the Kibbutznicks were creating a group of devout Zionists who all thought they were elite. I mean obviously there were good things happening on the kibbutz, but there is never any mention of the other side of things... Israel always seems to be 'perfect'. It's like pilgrims coming to the new world and forcing the Indians out. What about the people who were here before? Can't there be compromise? Anyhow, all the families/people on the Kibbutz that I’ve talked to have really enjoyed their lives on the Kibbutz. This is all fine and dandy, but I don’t know if I would want to be a permanent part of Kibbutz life.

On the food front: I have been eating extraordinarily well! The food is so fabulously fresh! I have had shaksukah quite a few times - a spiced tomato dish with egg – which is my absolute favorite. So this week, it is my goal to make only middle-eastern food. I started on this venture this morning and made quite a few delicious dishes. I started with my typical lentil dish (nothing too exciting, relatively speaking). Then I went on to make an eggplant, yogurt dish with garlic, scallions and lots of fresh mint. That was delicious! I finished with an ice tea with lemons from a few houses down and fresh mint. I plan to make shakshukah this week too! I have also stocked up on pita…. Last night I had dinner with a family on the kibbutz and they made fresh sage tea. I think I am going to try that as well if I can find the sage bush on the kibbutz. I also went for falafel (finally) on Thursday evening. It was the best stuff I have tasted to date. I had my first broken conversation in Hebrew with the shop owner. I told him we were from America and we were dancing in Ga’aton. I also understood that he wanted to give us coffee on the house. Baller! I am a winner! I am excited by the amount of Hebrew I am learning and using. Mitzuyan (wonderful!)!

Okay all! I am off. I am going to my friend’s for dinner. This week, I will be traveling to Jerusalem and then to Tel Aviv to see a performance by Inbal Pinto Dance Company. Cannot wait to see the two cities and some fabulous dancing!

Sending my love to all!

Marissa/ Mernie (/Tamar)

The end of a fabulous week!

I woke this Saturday morning to my neighbor, Mila’s, request for a walk around the kibbutz. I threw on some clothing and we took a brisk walk through the sunshine stopping only to pick some oranges off a tree – they were divine. My walk was concluded with a cup of espresso and a shower. Somehow, in the 10 minutes that I bathed, I managed not only to flood the entire bathroom, but also our small kitchen. I have immense talent. I am also extraordinarily clean. Let me give you the 411 on our tiny bathroom. Our shower head has a hard time staying connected to the wall, so frequently you have to bathe holding the head and washing with one hand. Also, there is no door to the shower. The bathroom is simply a square with a small dividing wall between the toilet and the shower. That being said, water spills everywhere and post shower you have to use a squeegee to rake all the water into the drain. And if your drain doesn’t drain properly, you learn that it doesn’t take much to flood the area!

Anyhow, after taking my eventful shower and watching my first performance by the second company (they were great!), a few of us decided to take a walk to a near-by town to an Arab market. What a gorgeous hike we had! The entire walk was stunning with views of the sea and gorgeous trees. We found ourselves in a busy little market with loads of veggies and kitchenware. My friend managed to buy a whole bag of fresh, delicious veggies for only 9 shekels! I think it’ll become a frequent weekend destination of mine!

I am currently sitting at my tiny kitchen table with a cup of tea and vase full of fresh rosemary that I picked on today’s adventure. I am continually marveling over the zillions of fabulous people I have already spent time with and the many fulfilling things I have done this week! Beseder – Okay – I am off to my friend’s house for a little dinner.

Before I go, I wanted to give all of you my contact info. My Israeli phone number is 0525167444. My skype name is: twinklytoeseez. My email address is: marissatjoseph@gmail.com. And my address here at the Kibbutz is:

Marissa Joseph

MASA – KCDC

Kibbutz Ga’aton, D.N. Oshrat, 25130

ISRAEL

Hope to hear from you all soon! Sending love,

Marissa/Mernie

PS: pictures to come soon!

First Full Day of Classes

Good evening all!

I have just successfully completed my first full day of classes. I know I said it before, but this place is going to be amazing! We had our second fabulous ballet class today, which was held in a room with no mirrors, but three walls of windows! We danced to pop music, which was completely and totally freeing! Then we had two repertoire classes in which we learned a few difficult phrases. The movement here is large and in charge. I don’t know how it is possible to fit so many steps into so few counts, but I guess I’ll learn some tricks along the way.

We finished the day with an improv class, which was out of this world. We started with a dance off of sorts where we danced to ‘everybody dance now’ for 8 counts before letting our partner take another 8 and back and forth. My partner, a guy from the Lines BFA program, and I took off. It was absolutely hilarious. We should have been at the crazy person’s club. He did a little voguing and I attempted at one point to do the worm, but ended up hitting my chin really, really hard on the ground. No problem, however. I was having too much fun. I’ll take a picture of my bruised chin if there’s anything interesting to see….

Anyway, all. This place is a little slice of heaven and I am enjoying every moment of it. The director is really a phenomenal woman with a really great work ethic. She seems simultaneously stern, yet very kind. She says exactly what she means with no beating around the bush – a true Israeli – and I admire her very much. Everyone seems to embody her mindset. It’s also very refreshing to be around a new group of people who are really excited to be here and are comfortable giving their all. I will learn so much from my peers.

Okay, friends. Enough for now! If you are in my would-be senior project weekend and you are reading this MERDE! I wish I could be there to see you all dance. Sending my love over the ocean.

Goodnight, Marissa/Mernie

Day #3

You should all be profoundly jealous! I am going to have such a good time here! I can feel it! My wonderful roommate arrived today. Her name is Elleka and she is from Perth, Australia. I feel like we have a lot in common and will get along quite well. She and I talked for quite a bit and got to know each other. We went food shopping and talked in various American accents – which was absolutely hilarious. We also managed to take a walk around the Kibbutz – despite the cold and wet weather. This place is absolutely gorgeous! There are orange and lemon trees around every corner and this place is so lush!!

We ended up in the main studio with a few other girls talking about dance in LA and other things. I got a really great vibe from all of them. We ended up, finally, in the café for a fabulous dinner followed by lots of chit-chat. (talk, talk, talk – that’s all I did today!). I’m about to head out to a little pub for a quick drink and then am turning in for the evening. Great, great day! Yay!

My little kitchen

My bed

Okay that’s all for now. But sending my love as usual… Mernie/Marissa

Day #1

Dear all,

Boker Tov! I write to you from a quaint little deck in Tel Aviv! I have taken off from NYC perfectly packed (only one suitcase) and ready to go! Our plane took off a wee bit early due to the anticipation of some snowy stuff… The plane ride was fine. After some sleeping meds and 7 hours of sleep, there really wasn’t much of a plane ride to speak of. I would say the highlight, however, of my little plane ride would be the father who saw fit to cut me in the line to the bathroom because his child had had the smelliest accident in the entire world. Lucky for me, I got to enjoy the aftermath.

The trip from the airport to the hotel was incredibly smooth. We drove through relatively shady parts of town in the direction of Jaffa and ended up at our cute little hotel: Eden House. My lovely travel companion, Tessa, and I were shown to our room – the size of a large closet – and then pointed in the direction of a local café where we had our first Israeli meal! What I had actually wasn’t a far cry from what I sometimes make for dinner – lentils, onions, rice, spices and lots of dill infused yoghurt. I just wanted to see who could make the dish better. (I lost.)

After dinner Tessa and I got lost for a split second (or as lost as you can get when you only have 4 blocks to walk) and then dove into bed (the heat was broken), watched a terrible movie, made a bunch of jokes, took our respective sleeping pills and kicked it. And now, ladies and gentlemen, here I am. 7am having slept my first full night and loved every moment of it. When Tessa wakes up we are going to go in search of breakfast and then travel to Kibbutz Ga’aton. We are both super excited to be able to unpack, make a home there and get dancing!

I miss you all already and I hope you are doing well back in the US of fabulous A! Keep in touch and I send my love! ~Mernie/Marissa

This is where I am sitting right NOW!

Our closet-sized bedroom

When I look up I see THIS!