Israeli choreographer Dana Ruttenberg has spent this semester, teaching and interacting with students in the UF School of Theatre + Dance.
While Ruttenberg has been teaching two courses in modern dance technique, she has also choreographed a new, original piece that she and her students will perform today, Friday and Sunday at the Nadine McGuire Black Box Theatre.
The Schusterman Visiting Artist Program sends Israeli artists to study and teach at American universities.
“It’s a huge honor to be part of it,” Ruttenberg said.
Originally from Tel Aviv, Ruttenberg lived in New York from 1999 to 2003. Her choreography has been performed in Senegal, Hungary, Italy, the U.S. and Russia.
“It is great to go back and explore a different part of the country,” she said.
Ruttenberg said this semester has been great.
“In Israel, I teach at different places. [There are] different students, different levels and [I] work with my company,” she said. “Here, I’m completely dedicated to the students.”
Dance senior Kate Pope, 21, has found Ruttenberg to be an inspiration.
“Dana is the cherry on top to four wonderful years of dancing at UF,” Pope said.
Ruttenberg said the piece, which is set to the first part of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” features 11 female dancers.
“Making the piece was one of the best challenges of my collegiate career,” Pope said. “Dana’s piece is informed by the spirit of our time and our experiences together.”
Joey Loto, a 21-year-old dance senior, performs a solo routine. Groups practiced Tuesday in preparation for the Spring BFA dance showcase.
