Renana Raz
Renana Raz is a vibrant award-winning voice in the internationally acclaimed young generation of Israeli choreographers. She dances and teaches at some of the leading performing arts academies and institutes of Israel, and has her own troup: Renana Raz Dance Group.
Raz's latest creation Kazuaria will be performed at this year´s World Outgames. A piece inspired by Druze Debka folklore and an exploration of feminine and masculine energies. Kazuaria brings the masculine energy of the traditional Druze Debka folk dance, traditionally danced by men from the Druze Community, to female bodies - resulting in a very physical piece creating a queer mixture of the masculine and feminine spirit. Kazuaria consists of a tribe of four dancers and a choir who through ceremony, dance and ritual explore the cycle of life.
Renana Raz is highly influenced by Israeli folk dance, and the Druze Community which lives in the north of Israel, Lebanon and Syria, an exceptional minority who have been in the region for centuries. Raz has a great interest in studying how people physically express themselves and come together through dance. The specific interest in blending folk and contemporary dance is highly innovative, and Kazuaria was premiered at the opening night of the last Curtain Up Festival in Tel Aviv.
Outside Israel Raz’ performances have been staged in Brazil, Germany, Poland, Holland and most recently Japan.