In March, professional dancer Matthew Linzer led a choreography workshop with his company, the San Francisco-based Smuin Ballet.
He created an artistic representation of the dichotomy between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, two cities he explored during his Birthright Israel excursion last summer.
“My eyes were really opened to the contrast,” said Linzer, 27. “You’ve got new and young, old and traditional, and I wanted that bouncy quality. I also went to the Wailing Wall, where there was a lot of movement. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”
The result was “The Sound of a Circle,” a complex piece danced to klezmer violin, techno music and Israeli song. As for the title, Linzer drew inspiration from a well-known Jewish object.
“I read a poem where the sound of a shofar travels through the halls, up the stairs and returns. Just like a circle.”
The San Francisco resident isn’t doing much traveling these days, as he’s in the midst of a rigorous 40-week schedule with the Smuin Ballet, which performs for audiences in San Francisco, Mountain View, Walnut Creek and Carmel.
The company’s current program, “Love is in the Air This Spring,” runs through June 6 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.
Linzer plans to take the stage for every show, in addition to the classes and rehearsals that keep him busy six days a week with the company. And in the dance world, Linzer noted, this is one of the best jobs you can hope for.
“The arts have always suffered, especially financially,” Linzer said. “Plus, the career of a dancer is relatively short. We want to work as much as possible, although it’s demanding. The fact that this is my full-time job and I get paid to do what I love is really great.”
Linzer plays tough guy/club owner Bigalo in “St. Louis Woman,” one of three featured pieces in the spring program. The dance is a “blues ballet,” with an elaborate set, whimsical costumes and a cast that dances as brightly as the colors splashed across the backdrop.
Portraying Bigalo goes well beyond the dance steps, Linzer said. It’s about researching the character and telling the story in a way that connects with the audience.
Plus, “it’s a blast to play someone totally different and really go over the top. I get to take risks, which you don’t always do in ballet stories.”
Nearly four years ago, Linzer arrived in the Bay Area to join the Oakland Ballet. When that company folded, he moved on to the Diablo Ballet, which also experienced financial hardships. Determined to keep dancing, Linzer joined the Smuin Ballet in 2007.
He trained at the Academy of the Maryland Youth Ballet and the Julliard School in New York City.
Linzer took advantage of the off-season in July to see Israel, redeeming his free trip just before his 27th birthday. In addition to the 10-day, jam-packed itinerary, Linzer opted to extend his vacation so he could do what he loves — watch dance performances.
Independent artists who commissioned dancers filled the studios. Linzer also experienced a performance created by the Inbal Pinto Dance Company in Tel Aviv, a mix of dance, drama and acting that left him speechless — and inspired.
“I saw a new, fresh take on dance,” Linzer said. “This I had never seen. Maybe to Israelis it was commonplace, but to me it was special and unique. I had to take the influence back with me.”
“Love is in the Air This Spring” runs through June 6, with performances 8 p.m. Friday, May 22; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Tickets: $40-$55. Information: www.smuinballet.org.