Mishpachah is a dance based on my experiences in a Jewish family in a time of celebration + reflection. Mishpachah is Hebrew for “family” and emphasises the bonds that join family. In the dance, our family revolves around a central figure, played by Linda Berghoff. Linda is a co-teacher from our Dancing Through Parkinson’s program, has Parkinson's herself and is a lovely dancer. She joins 6 Invertigo dancers, and the choreography evokes family dynamics that are both funny + carousing and poignant + tender.
In our piece, we are not celebrating a particular holiday. We are celebrating the concept of family and celebration. Although it is inspired by/seen through a Jewish lens, we hope to convey a warm feeling of familial closeness to which everyone can relate.
The piece is rooted in tradition + our familial roots, but this Mispachah is also looking ever forward, ever onward.
The music by Toby Karlin is a vibrant score influenced by the eastern-European + Sephardic sounds that meld together in traditional Jewish music. Kate Bishop brings her usual flair to the piece as our costume designer.