1985, Bat – Yam, Israel.
Dana grew up in Gan-Yavne, a small town in the south of Israel, where she first encountered dance at the age of 3. Recognizing her abundant energy, Dana’s mother enrolled her in a local dance studio, where she continued dancing until high school. As a student at the studio, Dana performed in Gan-Yavne’s official ceremonies and represented Israel in performances abroad.
At the age of 14, Dana decided that dance would be her future and transferred to another high school, “Aharon Katzir” in Rehovot, known for its excellent dance department. There, she received training in ballet, contemporary dance, improvisation, and composition, solidifying her path towards contemporary dance and her passion for creation.
During her time in school and shortly after, Dana performed as a lead dancer in musicals on some of Israel’s largest stages, alongside renowned actors. She also took part in independent projects, collaborating with artists like Sharon Vaisvaser, and appeared in music videos for well-known musicians, including “Sabliminal,” as well as violinist Miri Ben-Ari’s “Adon Olam Ad Matai.”
After completing high school, Dana was accepted into the Muza Dance Company in Tel Aviv, where she danced for a short period. In 2004, she embarked on a journey with one of the leading companies in the international contemporary dance scene, the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company (KCDC), under the direction of choreographer Rami Beér.
The KCDC was much more than just a stage in Dana Raz’s career; it was a pivotal turning point that shaped and transformed both her identity as a dancer and her development as a choreographer. Her time at KCDC not only left an indelible mark on her technique and dance style, but also planted the seeds of creativity and a passion for dance that would accompany her throughout her career.
During her tenure at KCDC, Dana experienced profound artistic and personal growth. The company provided the ideal environment for her to explore new forms of movement and expression, challenging her boundaries and expanding her creative horizons. Through collaboration with talented choreographers, such as Itzik Galili, Idan Sharabi, and fellow dancers, Dana absorbed a wealth of influences and perspectives that enriched her art in unimaginable ways.
Thus, KCDC not only provided Dana with a platform to hone her craft, but also offered her a space to discover her unique style as a choreographer.
The experience within the company was the catalyst that propelled her towards the path of creation, equipping her with the tools and inspiration needed to become the talented dancer and choreographer she is today.
Within the prestigious Israeli stage at Suzanne Dellal (Tel Aviv), Dana Raz’s first works came to light as part of the “Nitzozot” program of the KCDC. Among these, “Pashut”, “Inn(h)r Voice”, and “What else is there outside?” stand out.
“Inn(h)r Voice” was restaged in Saint Petersburg by the company of the renowned Russian choreographer, Ivan Belozertsev.
Dana’s creativity transcends borders, with regular invitations to choreograph for companies and institutions worldwide, including the acclaimed Boris Eifman Ballet in Saint Petersburg, the University of Malta, Acts-Ecole de Danse Contemporaine in Paris, Danza 180 in Madrid, among others.
As touched on earlier, Kibbutz was not only instrumental in fostering Dana’s creativity, but also marked the beginning of her journey as a contemporary dance teacher across dance institutions and programs within the dance Village. These included KCDC Dance Journey, The Workshop, Ulpan (a dance program for young people), and students in northern Israel. Dana also conducted morning classes for both the principal and second company of Kibbutz. Her workshops and classes gained expansive recognition, leading Dana to conduct workshops and teach KCDC repertoire internationally, including at Kannon Dance (St. Petersburg) and in New York City.
After eight years with the company, Dana made the decision to chart her own independent path. In 2013, she relocated to Asturias, Spain, where she established her own company: Dana Raz Dance Projects.
Dana continues to conduct workshops and collaborate with a diversity of artists and institutions worldwide on dance projects. One notable endeavour was to direct Trialogfem, a project established in 2019, which pushes the boundaries in dance. Trialogfem’s purpose is to elevate female artists and advocate for gender equality through visibility and representation.
With interests that gravitate towards physicality and movement, Dana views skills that broaden horizons and enhance understanding as most valuable. This has led her to delve into the study of Pilates on mattresses and machines. Grounded in contemporary dance, Dana believes in the power of fusion, amalgamating various techniques and resources to tailor them to her unique method of working.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to dance, Dana was awarded the Yair Shapira Prize for Excellence in Dance in 2012, and in 2016, she received the Serondaya de Las Artes Award for her innovative contributions to culture.
Since its establishment in 2014, Dana Raz Dance Projects has become a prominent fixture in the cultural Rooted in a commitment to artistic excellence, Dana Raz Dance Projects pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance, creating meaningful experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. Under Dana Raz’s leadership, the company has showcased its distinctive artistic voice on prestigious stages across Spain and theatres worldwide.
landscape of Asturias, Spain, over the past decade. Renowned for its innovative productions, the company has garnered acclaim both locally and internationally, captivating audiences with its dynamic choreography and emotive storytelling.
With a focus on collaboration and nurturing emerging talent, Dana Raz Dance Projects engages with diverse audiences through workshops, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. As the company continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to artistic integrity, creative exploration, and breaking the limits of contemporary dance.
The company has produced notable works such as “Wolves” and “Muktzeh.” With a repertoire comprising fourteen choreographic pieces, Dana Raz Dance Projects has participated in esteemed festivals and conducted workshops globally, inspiring students from over 20 countries through online contemporary dance classes during the quarantine period, always aiming to bring individuals closer to the art of movement and provide access for those who wish to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of dance.