Life training in Israel, the dance powerhouse of the world!

Everyone at one time or another yearns for a dance apprenticeship in Israel, a dance powerhouse. There, she received warm and powerful messages that influenced not only her dancing but also her life.

-Ayami Ida (Contemporary dancer and choreographer)

In September 2013, I studied at MARIA KONG, a professional dance company in Israel, as an overseas trainee for emerging artists funded by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. 　
When I think back to that time, it was a really courageous move. I had always been uncomfortable with foreign countries, my English grades were always low, and I never thought I would live abroad. After deciding to take this training program on the recommendation of my mentor at the university, everything fell into place as if the pieces of a puzzle were fitting together, as I continued to win awards in Japan and abroad for my dance performance, which was required for the program.
If the word "fate" really exists, I felt that I was being led to that place.
On the plane to Israel, I was clutching a book titled "Learn to Speak English in a Week," and I was excited about my life in Israel, not a bit worried about my future. 　

Israel is known as a dance powerhouse, and as a sacred place for contemporary dance, it is a country that every dancer should visit at least once. 　
Many of you are probably familiar with the world-famous Batsheva Dance Company and Inbal Pinto, who has been remarkably active in Japan. Israeli dance is filled with the human essence of wanting to express, to dance, and to know others. They are from a country that is still new, and you can feel their desire to create their own future.
That is why their dance is pure, straight, and powerful. And dancers wishing to be the same gather here from all over the world.

Can I make a mistake? My view of dance turned upside down

MARIA KONG, where I studied, was a young dance company founded by dancers who had been working with the Batsheva Dance Company and could not stop their appetite for creating. The members were international, and the common language was English. 　
Immediately after I came to Japan, I was shocked.
"You are always dancing alone. You move because there is a partner. You move because they move because you move." 　
I used to think that it was fine as long as I danced well. However, I realized how rude I was being by ignoring the other person.
What struck me even more was the words, "Make mistakes." The real intention was to live in the present. Rather than being afraid of the mistakes that may happen in the future, express yourself in the present moment.
I still remember how moved I was by what a wonderful idea. 　
One year after my study abroad, I officially became a member and was active for four years. 　
Also, on a regular basis, they have set unreasonable tasks on me.
"Asami, can you sing?" "Asami, can you do this?" "Asami, wanna try it?" I never once said no. From the moment I say yes, a new path is born, and it shows me a view I never knew existed. 　
I gained such courage because of the members who always acknowledged my existence and continued to believe in me. 　
Israel is a place where people of various nationalities and races gather. It was a fateful encounter for me to be in a country where people are interested in each other, recognize each other, and believe in each other.

photo: hitoha.nasu

ASAMI IDA

Studied dance at the University of Tsukuba and Tsukuba Graduate School of Dance under Motoko Hirayama. As a choreographer, she has received numerous awards in Japan and abroad, including the first prize at the Belarus International Competition in 2012 and the Encouragement Award at the Yokohama Dance Collection 2021.
In 2013, she was a recipient of the Agency for Cultural Affairs' Overseas Study Program for Emerging Artists.　
From 2013 to 2018, she worked with the dance company "MARIA KONG" (Israel). After returning to Japan, she has been running "Arche", dispatching artists from the Japan Foundation and directing the art event "ARTopia!" She has performed in works by Motoko Hirayama, Akiko Kitamura, Satoshi Ishibuchi, and others.

Website: https://genjouijihataiko.wixsite.com/asamiida