The Gaga movement language originated from the belief in the healing, dynamic, ever-changing power of movement. Choreographer, Ohad Naharin, developed Gaga over the course of many years and it is now applied in the daily practice of Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company. It provides a framework for discovering and strengthening your body and adding flexibility, stamina, and agility while lightening the senses and imagination. Gaga/people classes offer a framework for users to connect to their bodies and imaginations, experience physical sensations, improve their flexibility and stamina, exercise their agility and explosive power, and enjoy the pleasure of movement in a welcoming, accepting atmosphere.Throughout the class, participants are guided by a series of evocative instructions deployed to increase awareness of and further amplify sensation. Rather than turning from one prompt to another, information is layered, building into a multisensory, physically challenging experience. While many instructions are imbued with rich imagery, the research of Gaga is fundamentally physical, insisting on a specific process of embodiment. Inside this shared research, the improvisational nature of the exploration enables each participant’s deeply personal connection with Gaga. Gaga/people classes are open to people ages 16+, regardless of their background in dance or movement. Classes last approximately one hour. Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement; layers recommended. To create a less self conscious environment, mirrors are required to be covered and observers are not permitted.

Quote from Ohad Naharin:

“We become more aware of our form. We connect to the sense of the endlessness of possibilities. We explore multi-dimensional movement; we enjoy the burning sensation in our muscles, we are ready to snap, we are aware of our explosive power and sometimes we use it. We change our movement habits by finding new ones. We go beyond our familiar limits. We can be calm and alert at once.” 

photo credit Ascaf Avraham

Resources:

Official Gaga Website
Gaga/people class excerpt (2 min. video)

Ohad Naharin Discusses Gaga movement language  (2 min. video)

Mr. Gaga, trailer (2 min. trailer about Mr. Gaga documentary)

Gaga: A Foreigner Explores Ohad Naharin's movement language (article