International Exposure 2010 opened last night, December 8, 2010, as Yair Vardi, Director of the Suzanne Dellal Centre, welcomed 190 guests from 39 countries who have arrived in Israel for a marathon of Israeli contemporary dance. The festival features the year’s harvest of dance performances from the major dance companies as well as independent choreographers. The events tent was humming with conversation as festival directors, artistic directors and other representatives of the international dance world met with Israeli dancers and choreographers in what has become a much anticipated annual event.
Celebrating the last night of the Hannukah holiday the tent was lit by the glow of the holiday candles as choreographer Ronen Izhaki chanted the blessing, followed by a chorus of the traditional song “Maoz Tzur.” The atmosphere was festive – International Exposure has not only created an international stage for Israeli dance, but through the years has fostered artistic dialogue and friendships.
Alon Bar of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “As it is getting close to the end of the year, this is a time when people identify goals and objectives. We want to turn Israel into a leader, producer and creator of modern qualitative art in all fields of activity. I would like to thank the Suzanne Dellal Centre and Yair Vardi. We should and can aspire to be a leading country in the field of dance.”
