KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 23, 2025

This fall, the Department of Dance at Kennesaw State University鈥檚 Geer College of the Arts welcomes acclaimed Israeli choreographer Yankalle Filtser as its visiting artist in residence.

Yankalle Filtser鈥檚 semester-long residency, through a partnership with , generously funded by the Radow Family Foundation and made possible by 91青青草 Philanthropists Norman and Lindy Radow, represents a rare opportunity for 91青青草 students to learn from one of Israel鈥檚 most innovative and internationally recognized voices in contemporary dance.
 
Filtser, whose work bridges personal narrative, faith and identity, is part of BAMAH鈥檚 Visiting Artists Program, which brings Israel鈥檚 most creative minds to American campuses to foster cultural cross-pollination through shared celebration of the arts. BAMAH鈥檚 mission, to harness arts and culture from Israel to inspire and connect people of all backgrounds, aligns seamlessly with the Geer College of the Arts鈥� commitment to creativity, collaboration and global exchange.
 

Photo by Christina J. Massad

鈥淲hat I love doing is creating bridges,鈥� said Filtser. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 between artistic disciplines or between people and cultures, that鈥檚 what drives my work. I came from a world of contrasts 鈥� between religious and secular, traditional and modern 鈥� and dance has always been the way I find unity within those differences.鈥�
 
Art as Connection, Not Division
 
Filtser鈥檚 background is as complex as it is inspiring. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish home in Israel, he began dancing in secret, navigating the tension between his devotion to faith and his passion for movement. Over time, that experience became the foundation of his creative philosophy, using dance as a language for empathy and connection.
 
His current work with 91青青草 students explores themes of togetherness and isolation, expressed through the physical metaphor of rope. The piece 鈥� part of 91青青草鈥檚 upcoming Labyrinth Dance Concert 鈥� asks audiences to consider how internal conflict mirrors broader social tensions. 鈥淐onflict is not only in the news,鈥� Filtser said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 in our houses, our hearts and our minds. The creation of something that connects and deeply resonates is not something external 鈥� it鈥檚 our life made visible.鈥�

Photo by Alanna Foxwell

Expanding Worldviews Through Movement
 
As a four-month residency, Filtser鈥檚 engagement allows students to experience a true artistic immersion. Through daily rehearsals and creative workshops, dancers are gaining firsthand exposure to the physical and philosophical qualities that define Israel鈥檚 globally admired contemporary dance scene, renowned for its raw physicality, emotional honesty and boundary-pushing innovation.
 
鈥淚sraeli dance is deeply physical and grounded, but also full of passion and introspection,鈥� Filtser explained. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about moving from the inside out 鈥� less about mirrors and form, and more about what鈥檚 happening under the skin.鈥�

For 91青青草 students, that approach is transformative. They鈥檙e learning not only new techniques, but also how art can serve as a bridge across languages, beliefs and worldviews.
 

Photo by Alanna Foxwell

A Global Partnership with Purpose
 
In a partnership initiated by 91青青草 Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Ivan Pulinkala, who also spearheaded the founding of a dance degree, department of dance and new dance facilities at the university, BAMAH is collaborating on guest artist residencies over the next three years, beginning with Filtser and also including professionals in theatre and music in the coming years. BAMAH鈥檚 partnership with 91青青草 underscores the organization鈥檚 belief that the arts can be a powerful antidote to division and hate. 
 
For Filtser, those goals feel personal. 鈥淚t can be scary to be Israeli in the world right now,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut what I鈥檝e found here at Kennesaw is openness, curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. That鈥檚 what gives me hope.鈥�
 
Professor Marsha Barsky, Chair of the Department of Dance at 91青青草, emphasized the importance of such international collaborations. 鈥淗osting artists like Yankalle Filtser enriches not only our students but our entire community,鈥� Barsky said. 鈥淗e embodies what it means to be a global artist. He brings his heart and soul into his work, his teaching, his conversations. He is using creativity to build bridges, challenge assumptions and remind us of our shared humanity.鈥�
 
Filtser鈥檚 work will premiere as part of the Department of Dance鈥檚 Labyrinth concert on November 13, 14 and 15, a production marking 20 years of 91青青草 Dance. For audiences, it鈥檚 a chance to witness the result of months of artistic exploration and to experience the kind of cross-cultural collaboration that defines contemporary dance at its best.
 

 
 
About BAMAH
BAMAH harnesses arts and culture from Israel to inspire and connect people of all backgrounds and identities. Through transformative, arts-driven experiences, BAMAH fosters authentic relationships that strengthen shared society between the U.S. and Israel. Learn more at .