NYC Gazette

Eight Juilliard dance students and alumni participated in a unique dance event called R.O.S.E. at the Park Avenue Armory this fall. This innovative performance was created by Israeli choreographer Sharon Eyal and rave producer Gai Behar, along with their company L-E-V. The event featured current fourth-year students Blu Furutate, Nick Lemaina, Luc Simpson, and Natalie Wong, as well as 2024 graduates Antonia Gillette, Michaella Ho, Julian Sanchez, and Kailei Sin.

Blu Furutate described R.O.S.E., which stands for Rituals of Sharon Eyal, as "a beautifully sensitive yet lively collection" of Eyal and Behar's work. The performance combines elements of concert dance with underground culture, transforming the venue into a club-like atmosphere that attracts a diverse audience. "For instance," Furutate noted, "my colleague’s 93-year-old grandma came twice."

The immersive nature of the performance allowed audience members to engage deeply with the experience. Each night offered a different dynamic due to the changing audience. Many attendees viewed R.O.S.E. as "a historic art event" that offered a new perspective on dance.

The production included contributions from Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri for costumes and Noa Eyal Behar for makeup and hair design. It also featured a solo music performance by Sharon Eyal's son.

Natalie Wong shared her thoughts on being part of R.O.S.E., calling it an unparalleled experience. She highlighted the intense physicality required by Eyal's choreography and expressed admiration for L-E-V: "It was an honor to perform with L-E-V." Wong appreciated how R.O.S.E. merged rave culture with concert dance to create an inclusive environment.

R.O.S.E. is set to be performed at Sadler’s Wells in London next summer.