KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 4, 2016

Thirteen KSU dance majors traveled to Israel this summer for seven days, studying Batsheva repertory, taking gaga technique classes, and visiting some of the most historic sites in the world. Ivan Pulinkala, chair of the Department of Dance, developed the two-week Maymester course with the goal of helping dance students understand how the political and religious history of Israel has shaped the development of some of the most influential contemporary dance in the world.

According to KSU’s Vice-Provost and Chief International Officer, Lance Askildson, “This inaugural program in dance will serve as a catalyst for the development of other education abroad programs for KSU in Israel.” Though smaller than the size of New Jersey, Israel, known as the start-up nation, is home to the highest number of academics per capita in the world.

Ambassador Judith Varnai -Shorer, Consul General of Israel to the Southeast said,

“This study abroad in dance is an organic development of the growing relationship we have with Ivan Pulinkala and the Department of Dance at KSU, and one that we hope will result in the growth of other study abroad programs for Kennesaw State University in Israel.”

Dance majors described the experience to be transformational. Working with some of the most celebrated dancers in the world and studying Batsheva repertory was inspirational beyond measure. The students were fortunate to be able to attend the world premiere of a new work by the Vertigo Dance Company. The students described the performance as sophisticated and unique, and many noted that it was a highlight of the trip. Learn more about study abroad programs at dga.kennesaw.edu.