The short film Studio Visit with Yasmeen Godder is available to watch at the top of the page.
Yasmeen Godder, an influential choreographer and dancer, uses her artistic talent to forge a unique path in the world of performance arts. Renowned for her ability to weave complex narratives through movement, Godder’s choreographic creations reflect a deep understanding of the human condition, pushing the boundaries of traditional dance concepts. The potency of Godder’s work is not just in the dance but also in its ability to foster an active dialogue between performers and spectators, creating an immersive experience that continues to challenge and evolve.
The contemporary dance performance, Climax, exemplifies this dynamic approach. Conceived for a museum’s space, Climax has been ingeniously adapted by Godder for various spaces, providing audiences with an emotionally intimate and provocatively forceful performance. The three-hour piece employs a diverse range of movement phrases from Godder’s 15-year artistic journey, effortlessly blending performers, audience, and space into a shared experience. The six dancers are strategically positioned to interact closely with the audience, creating a complex dance of mutual capture and release. To appreciate the intensity of their work and collaboration, we encourage you to watch the video at the top of the page featuring Godder and the Climax dancers: Shuli Enosh, Dor Frank, Yuli Kovbasnian, Uri Shafir, Edu Turull-Montells, and Ofir Yudilevitch during their rehearsals.
Throughout her career, Godder has crafted an impressive array of full-length works that have contributed significantly to her international reputation in the world of contemporary dance. Her portfolio includes celebrated pieces such as Hall, Sudden Birds, Two Playful Pink, Strawberry Cream and Gunpowder, I’m Mean, I Am, Singular Sensation, Love Fire, Storm End Come, and See Her Change. Godder’s innovative spirit was particularly evident in 2014 when she revisited her choreographic archive to create two new works, Climax and Lie Like A Lion. Godder’s exploration into movement disorders resulted in the groundbreaking Common Emotions, which culminated in a year-long project in collaboration with dancers, scientists, and people living with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, her dedication to inclusivity and cultural dialogue has been reflected in initiatives like Na’ot Ma’ Ba’ad (Moving Together) and the Na’ot Ma’ Ba’ad Festival.
In the accompanying video, Godder offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into her creative process, unveiling the tensions and the harmonies between precision and chaos, control and release. This behind-the-scenes exploration provides a deeper understanding of Godder’s choreographic genius and emphasizes the enduring relevance and resonance of her work in our increasingly complex world.
The featured video Studio Visit with Yasmeen Godder is part of the web series Yotsrim by Shachaf Dekel. Yotsrim includes five seasons and 73 episodes. The series won the Best Documentary award at the NYC Web Fest in 2019.
