Isabel Gotzkowsky says Farewell (Not Goodbye) to New York City

After 23 years in New York City, German born dance artist,Isabel Gotzkowsky is going home. It is hard to say goodbye. Gotzkowsky, began her career at Dance New Amsterdam back in the day when it was called Dance Space Center (actually not so many days ago.) She did everything there.  One of the first work-study students at the school, she took afternoon classes with Lynn Simonson, evening classes with Katiti King, then even more classes with Laurie DeVito, whose company she later joined.  She fell in love with Simonson Jazz Technique and Pilates and got certified in both. She cut her teeth as a teacher, choreographer and producer of concerts, then created a dance company populated with artists and board members she met through her creative life in the studios and hallways of Dance New Amsterdam.

Jon Zimmerman and Isabel Gotzkowsky in "Bound"  Photo by @ Paula Lobo

 

Gotzkowsky was one of three students to receive scholarship to participate in a Jennifer Muller Company Workshop held at the center in 1989.  That opportunity led her to perform and teach with Muller in New York, Switzerland, and China. The performances in China, consisting of three duets Muller created for especially for her and Markus Hoffman, were the highlight of Gotzkowsky’s dancing career.

 

This weekend, the school that took Gotzkowsky under its wing will present her latest works, in a bon voyage concert. It is a bittersweet affair.

 

When I asked what she will miss most, Gotzkowsky muses, “ the relationships - some of the longest and most meaningful ones I will ever have.” When I ask her about memories, she recalls the first day she took Lynn Simonson’s beginning class. Simonson took the hungry young dancer aside and sent her directly to the advanced class, whispering, “Just don’t run anybody down.”