Hora was a like an abstract painting in the form of ballet.

Recently the Batsheva Dance Company performed at Hora at the BAM in the Howard Gilman Opera House. As I entered the theater I could not help but think of how big it was, with eclectic art styles and modern sound and lighting, seating about 2,000 people in different levels including the balconies. The lights turned off and the curtains rose revealing the stage in a form of a box with lime-green walls and a wooden bench against a far green wall. The dancers sat straight up wearing loose black clothing (sort of like pajamas).

The entire dance piece was a like an abstract painting in the form of ballet. The dance had many different levels to it and was atmospheric. The moves were so unalike that it would suck you in and make you feel what the dancers were trying to convey. For example, the lights dimmed and the music would be softer and lower making you feel sleepy and dopey. After, the lights shinned brighter, electric music blasted in the speakers, shaking you from the state of somnolence. I loved the part where they were all doing synchronized moves because it didn’t happen often throughout the performance. The show was entertaining, eccentric and innovative.