BIOGRAPHY
Rebecca Laufer was born in the United States and received her Bachelor’s degree from Point Park Conservatory. Next to her own work and freelance projects, she performed with the Israeli Opera under the direction and choreography of Itzik Galili, the Cameri Theatre with Andrea Martini, Olivier Fredj at La Monnaie de Munt and a company member with the Avshalom Pollak dance theater.
Mats van Rossum born in the Netherlands received his Bachelors at the Amsterdam School of Arts. Working as a dancer he worked and performed the works of choreographers and theater makers such as Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Pollak, Itzik Galili, Andrea Martini, Eyal Dadon,Olivier Fredj, Ariel Wolf, Lotem Regev and Jason Danino Holt.
Rebecca Laufer and Mats van Rossum founded their artistic collaboration in 2018 where they established their common love for dance and theater, sharing their love for creation. They became members of the Israeli choreographers association in 2022 and their works have been shown throughout Israel, Europe and the United States. Their latest duet was the winner of the Club Guy and Roni partner award at the Rotterdam International Choreography Competition in the Netherlands and received production awards with the National Theatre Mannheim and Tanzlabor Ulm at the Hannover Choreography Competition in Germany.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Exploring the Playful Dialogue of Movement and Imagination: A
Contemporary Dance Workshop
In the realm of contemporary dance, there exists a space where movement transcends mere physicality and dives into the boundless territory of imagination. This is the foundation of our Contemporary Dance Workshop, an immersive experience that invites dancers to explore the dialogue between their physical capabilities and creative instincts. Here, movement is more than form, and creativity is more than
expression—this is where art meets exploration.
A Dual Focus: Physical and Artistic Growth
Our workshop is designed to stretch the dancer’s potential both physically and artistically. While strength, flexibility, and endurance are essential, we believe there’s a deeper treasure within every dancer waiting to be uncovered. Through guided exercises and imaginative prompts, we challenge participants to tap into their creativity, discovering simple yet powerful tools that unlock the hidden depths of their unique expression. Instead of focusing solely on refining technique or achieving physical prowess, this workshop emphasizes the integration of movement and artistic voice. It encourages dancers to listen to their bodies, explore the interplay of balance and imbalance, and use physical challenges as gateways to new forms of expression.
Challenging the Norms and Breaking Boundaries
A key part of this workshop is rethinking the conventional rules and standards that often dominate contemporary dance classes. We ask, “What if we dismantled the default settings of technique and structure?” In this space, we explore what it means to “fail”—not as a negative outcome, but as a creative tool. Failure becomes a starting point, a place to find new movement, new forms, and new ways of thinking about placement and space. By deconstructing the notion of placement, dancers are free to discover what it feels like to move without the pressure of conforming to traditional ideas of balance, posture, or alignment. This freedom opens doors to unexpected discoveries and deeper personal expression, allowing each dancer to redefine their relationship with their body and their art.
A Safe Space for Experimentation and Growth
At the heart of the workshop is a safe, inclusive environment that nurtures risk-taking and curiosity. We provide a supportive space where dancers can explore without fear of judgment, giving them the confidence to experiment with unfamiliar movements and ideas. Here, mistakes are not missteps; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and expansion. The workshop also serves as a space for reflection. Together, we’ll analyze the current paradigms of contemporary dance, asking questions about how we teach and how we learn. We’ll explore how these methods shape us as dancers and creatives, and how challenging them can lead to both stronger bodies and broader artistic horizons.
Expanding Horizons, Physically and Creatively
Ultimately, this workshop aims to leave dancers with a sense of empowerment—not only in their physical abilities but in their capacity to think, create, and move beyond the boundaries they once knew. By embracing both the physical and imaginative aspects of dance, participants will find themselves stronger, more resilient, and more open to the endless possibilities that contemporary dance has to offer. Whether you are an experienced dancer looking to refine your craft or a curious mover eager to explore new dimensions of movement, this workshop is an invitation to play, discover, and grow in ways that transcend the ordinary. It’s about expanding your horizon, both as a dancer and as a creative force. Join us in this unique exploration of movement and imagination, where the body becomes not just a tool, but a canvas for artistic expression. Let’s move together—physically, creatively, and beyond.