Chutzpah Festival brings in a world of dance

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      When the multidisciplinary Chutzpah Festival whirls into action from next Thursday (February 15) to March 15, its dance programming will feature cutting-edge contemporary works from as far away as Italy, Bulgaria, and Israel. Here are the diverse offerings, all at the Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre, except where noted:

      Roy Assaf Dance

      February 22 to 24

      The Israeli troupe makes its Chutzpah debut with The Hill, an all-male trio inspired by a Hebrew song about veterans’ experiences, and the yearning duet Six Years Later. Think intricate kinetic explorations from a choreographer who’s in demand everywhere from Batsheva Dance Company to the Royal Swedish Ballet.

      MM Contemporary Dance Company

      March 1 to 3

      The honed troupe from Reggio Emilia, Italy, interprets Maurice Ravel’s Bolero and Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Expect exquisite technique and contemporary grace.

      Dance Double Bill

      March 10 and 11

      Jerusalem’s Machol Shalem Dance House presents Ofra Edel’s Black Label, with arresting Batsheva alumnus Tzvika Iskias dancing his journey as an immigrant from Ethiopia to Israel. It pairs with Bulgaria’s Derida Company, whose F 63.9 is a fiery duet that looks at the more problematic, obsessive trials of love.

      Salome: Woman of Valor

      March 8 to 10 at the Scotiabank Dance Centre

      A bold recasting of the mythical character, featuring dance by New York City–based Rebecca Margolick and Jessie Zaritt, melds with a multimedia spectacle that mashes spoken word, live music, and video.

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