Bosmat Nossan

What was it like working with the Batsheva Dance Company?

It was amazing. It was demanding, but also taught me so much everyday. In this way, there was no routine because I was always exploring or had the freedom, the space to explore whatever I was interested in at that time. Without taking the volume down on the physicality and effort.

How did your prior training in high school as well as with Avshalom Pollak Dance Company prepare you for Batsheva?

Very different things. Came from a strict ballet high school with composition and modern, but emphasis was on ballet and technique. The other company I learned the responsibility of being on stage. It was a different regime of learning. Learning presence and focus and how to work with props. Giving them what they ask for, they asked for specific results or shapes and musicality. Emphasis was how to work on stage- didn't learn that in high school.

How does dance in Israel compare to dance in America?

Not very different. After all, the technique being taught when I was studying was all American techniques. Lots of similarities in terms of how we treat the body. I wouldn't say it’s a difference between Israel and America. I like to come and work with the students to guide them through their own approach, not to rock the whole world. Making how we move richer and not different. I don't feel that I even know the American dance scene as much. In Batsheva, very influenced by body research. He made it really deep and rich.

Has it been difficult to teach American students with the language barrier?

Sometimes I feel insecure because I get stuck. I know exactly what I want to say, but I can't say it. I have worked for so many years teaching in English, but it never seems to get better.

How is it different teaching in a college setting rather than companies?

I just feel that dancers in companies are much more used to taking things into their own hands. They always take responsibility. They never go on stage or do a run without knowing what they are offering and what they are doing. With students, I feel like if I don't take the responsibility for them to do what they need to do, sometimes they won't be. The fastest you take this responsibility and realize it is your body, there will not always be a teacher there to tell you.

How do you like Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan so far?

I really like it- it's kind of a hipster city. When it gets a bit warmer, you can see people unfold themselves and you can see such characters. It is a very free, liberal, nice city.

FTC greatly appreciates Bosmat's dedication and willingness to work in such a short amount of time. She worked tirelessly to bring out our best movements and challenged us with each rehearsal to explore our bodies and learn about our personal styles.