By Virginia Brown

Charlotte Ballet doesn’t shy away from innovative works. To open this season, the company performed “Kamuyot,” a groundbreaking work from Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin. Batshevah performed the piece about a decade ago in the U.S., but since then no other company has done so, making Charlotte Ballet the first U.S. company to perform it.

Not only does the work challenge barriers between artists and audiences by immersing the spectator in an “in the round”-style performance, but it requires countless hours of preparation, including learning a new movement language.

“The structure of the choreography is different,” said Luke Csordas, a second-year company dancer. “It’s meant to surprise the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats. Also, the way that the music is incorporated, the kind of music, even down to our costumes – it’s a little different than what you usually see on the stage.”

The work features a wide range of music, from instrumental and Avant Garde to pop songs and others with Japanese lyrics. And the piece takes the dancers – and audience – on an emotional journey.

“I go through a wide range of emotions as we’re going through it,” Csordas said. “(One) night, I was crying during one of the really upbeat parts and then I got to laugh; it’s really a unique experience.”

After experiencing the performance in New York, Charlotte Ballet Artistic Director Alejandro Cerrudo created the vision for the production and called on his own experience performing Naharin’s inventive “Minus 16,” which Charlotte Ballet performed in 2018.

To prepare for “Kamuyot,” the dancers worked with expert researchers Bret Easterling and Kyle Scheurich for four weeks to nail Naharin’s signature movement language, called Gaga – an innovative and fluid body connection.

“We had to train for many hours in Gaga before we’re able to perform,” said Csordas. “Gaga is a sensation-based movement practice where we really turn up our awareness of what we’re sensing and feeling, and how that translates to the choreography. It’s very different from most other dance practices.”

A Cultural Vision Grant from ASC not only helped bring the unconventional work to the Center for Dance, but out in the community. The grant afforded free community experiences at Sugaw Creek and Bette Rae Thomas recreation centers.

“It’s meant to be transportable and for everyone,” said Csordas.

Additionally, The Mint Museum, in partnership with Charlotte Ballet, will present “Kamuyot” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. 

The all-ages, free 50-minute performance will take place at Mint Museum Uptown. No tickets are required. RSVPs are encouraged. Details are available at https://www.mintmuseum.org/event/charlotte-ballet-presents-kamuyot/.

Before opening night, Charlotte Ballet invited dance students from Northwest School of the Arts to a daytime performance.

“It was really fun to experience that with the high schoolers and to get their feedback and feed off of their energy,” Csordas added. “This piece is really special to me.”

See what’s in store for the rest of Charlotte Ballet’s 2023/24 season on its website.