Michael Jackson still thrills me every time I hear his songs or watch a video. The Odyssey Dance Theatre will be coming to Israel with their tribute show to the music of Michael Jackson – MJ – in April 2018, with performances in Tel Aviv and Herzliya. Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It – all the songs that make a body want to move – in choreography by Derryl Yeager, Odyssey Dance Theatre founder and director. MJ merges the technique of classical ballet with the verve of jazz, hip hop, tap, and the pizzazz of a Broadway show.
ODT – Odyssey Dance Theatre is a jazz dance company based in Salt Lake City, now celebrating its 23rd season! The company was founded by Derryl Yeager in 1994, inspired by his personal experiences in the world of dance. Yeager first became interested in dance in high school, when he landed a role in the musical Camelot that required several dance numbers. He went on to study dance at the University of Utah, while beginning as an apprentice at Ballet West. Yeager was a member of Ballet West for six years, moving up from apprentice to core member, then soloist, and eventually principal dancer. Eventually, as many do, Yeager moved to New York and later Los Angeles, in order to participate in major Broadway shows – A Chorus Line, Cats, Dream Girls, as well as television and film roles. In Utah he saw that there were many young dancers who wanted to fulfill their dream of a career but did not want to move away. This was the inspiration for founding the dance company, to create a framework for dancers and audiences who wished to experience quality dance performances in Utah. As the company has grown and developed, they have performed in many venues, throughout the U.S. and internationally. Now in their 23rd season, they embark on their 11th European tour, which will include Israel. MJ held its world premiere in Salt Lake City in March 2016, and has been well received in Europe, Brazil, China, and Turkey.
Performances:
Herzliya Performing Art Center
Monday, April 9th at 20:30, Tuesday, April 10th at 20:30
Tickets may be ordered online via this link.
Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center
Thursday, April 12th at 20:00, Friday, April 13th at 13:00, Saturday, April 14th at 20:00, Sunday, April 15th at 20:00.
Tickets may be ordered online from The Israeli Opera/Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center via this link.
