The contemporary dance performance Decadance by the Croatian National Theatre Ballet in Zagreb will kick off the dance program of the 69th Split Summer Festival with shows at HNK Split on Saturday and Sunday, July 15th and 16th, starting at 9 PM. Choreographed by the renowned Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, Decadance bursts with virtuosic and sensual dance energy, explosive movement power, and a flood of genuine emotions, making it a true highlight of the Zagreb Ballet.
Decadance is a contemporary dance exploration created as a collage of excerpts from Ohad Naharin's previous choreographies, crafted by one of the world's most prominent choreographers renowned for his unique stage language. Naharin, who led the acclaimed Batsheva Dance Company in Tel Aviv for many years, originally created these choreographic pieces in collaboration with the members of the Batsheva dance group. They have captivated audiences and dancers alike everywhere they have been performed worldwide.
Set to music by various contemporary composers, Naharin's choreographic pieces in Decadance push the boundaries of human movement, utilizing his own choreographic language called Gaga. "Perfect communication of mutual understanding, the intricate combination of individuals and ensemble, a wonderful male duo, irresistibly entertaining male-female dynamics, dramatic shedding of excess garments in the tension of liberation, a witty interaction with the audience, and much more, all packed into a mere 70 minutes. And the ensemble appears relaxed, as if playing! They even sing! Only they know how to achieve that," wrote the critics after the premiere in Zagreb.
The Batsheva Dance Company from Tel Aviv is one of the world's most prominent and renowned dance groups. Founded in 1964 by Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild, it had the legendary Martha Graham, a choreographer who redefined contemporary dance expression, as its first artistic director. Ohad Naharin, a student of Martha Graham, developed his own unique dance style and language, as well as the pedagogical system known as Gaga. He led the company from 1990 to 2018. His work and the uncompromising quality of the dancers have brought Batsheva international acclaim, establishing it as one of the most prestigious modern dance troupes.
The performance at the Zagreb Croatian National Theatre will feature dancers: Saya Ikegami, Natalija Kosovac, Mutsumi Matsuhisa, Ozana Mirković Blokar, Lada Rora, Rieka Suzuki, Valentina Štrok, Atina Tanović, Helena Troha, Tomislav Petranović, Mario Diligente, Taiguara Goulart, Adam Harris, Drew Benjamin Jackson, Balint Rauscher Csaba, Takuya Sumitomo, Arnau Velazquez Rodrigez, Vid Vugrinec, and Yuho Yoshioka.