Arkadi Zaides (b. 1979, Homel, Belarus, former USSR) works as a choreographer, performer and researcher. He earned a master's degree from the AHK Academy of Theater and Dance in Amsterdam. Since 2021 he is a doctoral researcher in the Arts at the Antwerp University, Royal Conservatoire Antwerp, Ghent University and KASK/School of Arts (HoGent). He is a member of CORPoREAL research group at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp and a member of S:PAM (Studies in Performing Arts), a research unit at the Ghent University. From 2024-2027 Zaides is associated artist with the Montpellier Danse Festival.

Choreography

The choreographic work of Arkadi Zaides is characterized by an initiative to trigger critical debate, focusing on the embodiment of social and political narratives. His artistic practice offers an inclusive realm that brings together diverse communities and sectors of society. His projects have been presented in various countries, including Canada (e.g., Firehall Arts Center, MAI), China (e.g., Shanghai Dance Festival), the Czech Republic (e.g., 4+4 Days in Motion), France (e.g., Théâtre National de Chaillot, Théâtre de la Ville, CDC Toulouse, KLAP), Germany (e.g., Fabrik Potsdam, Künstlerhaus Mousonturm, Pact Zollverein, Weimar Nationaltheater), Greece (e.g., Onassis Foundation, Athens Epidaurus Festival), Italy (e.g., Oriente Occidente, Santarcangelo Theater Festival) the Netherlands (e.g., Korzo, Bellevue, Stadsschouwburg Rotterdam, Julidans), Switzerland (e.g., Tanzhaus Zürich, La Bâtie-Festival de Genève), the USA (e.g., LaMaMa, NYLA), Chile (e.g., FIT), Japan (e.g., Aoyama Round Theater, Dance Box, Session House), Poland (e.g., Arts Station Foundation, Impart Art Center), and Spain (e.g., Mes De Danza, BAD Bilbao).

Curatorial Work

Zaides continuously develops platforms to promote contemporary discourse of performance making. Together with dramaturge and researcher Sandra Noeth, he initiated Violence of Inscriptions. The project brings together artists, thinkers, and human-rights activists to negotiate the role of the body in producing, maintaining, legitimizing, representing, and aestheticizing structural violence (2016). Zadies curated Moves Without Borders, a close collaboration with Goethe Institute Israel. The project invited avant-garde choreographers to conduct performances and workshops in Israel (2012-2015). Together with choreographer Anat Danieli, Zaides curated the New Dance Project in Jerusalem. The project provided novice choreographers with professional guidance, production assistant, and financial support (2010-2011). 

Awards 

Zaides received the Emile Zola Prize for Performing Arts for demonstrating engagement in human rights issues in his work Archive (2013). His work Quiet received a grant from the Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sport (2013). He was the recipient of the Israeli Lottery Foundation Landau Award (2012). He won the Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sport Young Artist Prize (2008, 2009, 2011). He received the annual Rosenblum Award for excellence in the arts (2010), and his work Solo Colores received the Kurt Jooss Award (2010).

Collaborations 

Zaides took part in the work process of the following performances and projects: INFINI project (Jozef Wouters, Brussels, 2015), Durcheinander (deufert&plischke, Berlin, 2015), Contracting Fears (Bridge On A Wall, Murcia, 2010), Ladies First (Matanicola, Berlin, 2007), Strawberry Cream and Gunpowder (Yasmeen Godder, Tel Aviv, 2006), Eyezaurus Frida (Noa Dar, Tel Aviv, 1999). During the years 1999-2004, Zaides was part of the Batsheva Ensemble and the Batsheva Dance Company, both lead by the artistic direction of Ohad Naharin. 

Institut des Croisements

Institut des Croisements is a French non-profit association founded and directed by Simge Gücük and Arkadi Zaides, with Benjamin Perchet and Gisèle Depuccio serving as board members. The association’s mission is to develop, produce, and promote Zaides’ work, as well as to represent other contemporary artists and produce artistic and cultural events.