Mutual creative space in israel: dance dialogues at a religious academic college between orthodox students and secular faculty

ABSTRACT

Intersectionality and identity were the focus of a qualitative study that took place from 2017–19 in the dance undergraduate major at a religious college in Israel. The objective was to analyze the ongoing process of dialogue between secular faculty and orthodox female students, as this constitutes an intersection of two different cultures. A model called 'Mutual Creative Space' developed by Ben Ezer and Bar Lev, was utilized to understand the intercultural encounters that took place in the classroom and studio and also to identify ways in which there could be a bridge between religious and secular cultures. This model contains seven categories, which can be used to analyze the encounter process, and these were used in analyzing the narratives recorded and then transcribed from both faculty and students.

In this article, we see how tensions and contradictions exist between dance and religion. We also recognize that a positive process can be developed, allowing students to live a life of faith and gain new dimensions of expressiveness and female empowerment through involvement in dance.

KEYWORDS:

• Higher- Education
• religious
• mutual- Creative- Space
• dialogues
• dance

Disclosure statement

The researcher will not have any financial interest or benefit arising from the direct applications of the research

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Orot Israel Academic-Religious College of Education.

Notes on contributors

Talia Perlshtein

Talia Perlshtein, Ph.D. Dance educator and researcher, lectures on artistic dance and dance education. One of the founders of the Dance Department at ‘Orot Israel’ – Academic-Religious College of Education, senior faculty and head of this academic program since its inception in 1998. One of the founders of the first specialized dance program for matriculation in high school in Israel. Served for many years on major public committees in Israel on issues of dance curriculum and repertoire. Her research papers were published in dance journals, such as Dance Chronicle, Research in Dance Education, Israel Affairs, and Dance Today - Israel’s Dance Magazine.

Reuven Tabull

Reuven Tabull, Ph.D. Writer and educator. Head of the ‘Shuva’ seminar and head of the literature specialization course at ‘Orot Israel’ – Academic-Religious College of Education. His papers engage with Jewish thought, Hebrew literature, liturgical poetry and art. Published two prose books: Response, Tel-Aviv 2001; While it is Yet Night, Tel-Aviv 2012

Rachel Sagee

Rachel Sagee, Ph.D. Senior researcher at the Research, Evaluation and Development Authority at Levinsky College of Education. Her research focuses on education for shared life and peace, the mental well-being of adolescents and teachers, and the professional development of teacher educators and student teachers.