Batsheva Dance Company: Learning and Dancing the Graham Repertory

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on the first decade of existence of Batsheva Dance Company (1964–1975), founded by the baroness Bethsabée de Rothschild as a repertory company under the artistic advisor of the preeminent American choreographer Martha Graham. I examine the ability of Batsheva dancers to internalize Graham's idiosyncratic technique, style, and repertory within a short period of time, without sacrificing individual spirit. After presenting the historical background of Batsheva's founding, I use recent research and theory on the early development of Graham's unique aesthetic and company ethos to frame and illuminate the way Batsheva dancers handled the idiosyncratic Graham style and repertory.