Opal Gelman

Is a contemporary dancer born and raised in Israel. She started dancing when she was 3 years old but discovered a deep connection and passion to the dance world in her teen years.

After graduating from high school Opal joined Batsheva dance company’s program for outstanding dancers and Vertigo international program in Israel. Later on she joined the international program of KCDC. During her training years she worked in creative processes including projects with the Haifa Opera and Symphony as a solo dancer. During her studies she had the opportunity to perform with a broad repertoire by internationally recognized choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Rami Be’er, Mats Ek, Barak Marshall, Noa Wertheim, Renana Raz as well as original pieces. Other than being a dance artist Opal studied visual arts and design, photography and filmmaking as well as music creating and editing. Opal is currently a member of the SUB.LAB.PRO the Ensemble Program in Hungary.

“I see dance as a connection between the inner and the outer world and between the physical body and the soul. I like to see movements as if I am painting the air or creating music with my body rather than a calculated thing.

One of the things that fascinates me the most in dance is the never ending learning process and the fact that you always have more things to learn and discover. Initially I fell in love with dance due to the fact it gave me a way to express my feelings and emotions without the need to explain it or analyse it. Dance brought me a sense of freedom and connection to my inner world.

I find myself often putting a lot of attention to the small and delicate movements and changes inside the body when I’m dancing. This sensitive work opened for me a new world of creativity and exploration that I’d like to keep on developing.
Music has a big impact on me and I’m interested in using the connection between the music and the movements.”