Ancient Influences: ZviDance’s DABKE
In 2013, New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay recognized ZviDance’s Dabke as one of his TOP DANCE FAVORITES of 2013. The critic declared the piece was, “an infectious, folk-based dance, its propulsive rhythm often alternating between two feet and one. And its variations include solos, duets, private moments, vulnerabilities. I’d had no previous experience of the work of Mr. Gotheiner; I loved “Dabke” so much that I returned to see it a second time.” We are proud and excited to be bringing that very piece to the Schimmel stage for one weekend only.
ZviDance was founded by the Israeli born dancer and choreographer, Zvi Gontheiner. The group uses its own unique dance vocabulary to define a, “unique set of relationships and experiences.” Their work has been said to, “boldly address the depths of the human experience.” The Arabic word, “dabke,” refers to stomping on the ground. “Dabke,” is itself, a folk dance common in Middle-Eastern heritage and can be traced back to ancient times. It is the national dance of countries such as Lebenon, Jordan, Syria and Palestine and is also enjoys its own version in Isreal. In DABKE, Mr. Gotheiner uses the power of dance to highlight tribal and national identities as well as dissolve those definitions. Reflecting on the recent “Arab Spring” movement that ignited the Middle East with unstoppable forces for change, Gontheiner aspires to celebrate this trend, and by creating DABKE, acknowledges its ripple effect on all of us.
Check out the promo for this truly remarkable piece below. Then be sure to book your seats.
This event is part of The New York State Presenters Network Presenter-Artist Partnership Project made possible through a regrant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. 
This season’s dance series is sponsored by the SHS Foundation
ZviDance: DABKE; Friday and Saturday, April 1st and 2nd at 7:30pm; All tickets $29; Schimmel Center at Pace University; 3 Spruce St, New York, NY 10038;(212) 346-1715; Tickets available at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/949255
