Sara Salomon: A Visionary in Jewish Dance
Costume Design

Sara's work has garnered international acclaim, showcased at festivals and forums across France, Spain, Israel, Argentina, Cuba, Canada, the United States, and Mexico. A miniature of her work was featured at the 2023 Prague Quadrennial, and she spoke about her Jewish inspired designs for dance at the Critical Costume Conference in Los Angeles, where designers from 22 countries presented their work. Over her career, Sara has earned multiple accolades in theatre and dance.

For over 35 years, Sara has specialised in designing costumes for Jewish and Israeli dance companies in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, meticulously capturing the ethnic diversity inherent in these dances. The Festival Aviv, held at the Centro Deportivo Israelita in Mexico City, has been a cornerstone of Jewish and Israeli cultural activity for over 50 years. With an annual participation of around 5,000 people, it is the largest cultural event in the community, drawing dancers and spectators alike. This festival uniquely blends folkloric and contemporary choreography, serving as a vibrant bridge between past and present Jewish heritage and traditions.

Anajnu Veatem 2017 (left), and CDI Mexico Historical Archive (right)

Sara's costume designs have significantly enhanced the visual and cultural appeal of dance performances. Her work has fostered cultural exchange and social integration within the community. Initially, costumes were simple and crafted by choreographers. This changed in 1987 when Sara, then a dancer with the Mexican Jewish Company Anajnu Veatem, took on the role of costume designer after the sudden passing of the company's director, Carlos Halpert. During the 1980s, designing Jewish clothing in Mexico posed significant challenges due to limited resources. Sara relied on black-and-white postcards, album covers, and 19th-century paintings for inspiration. Despite these constraints, she succeeded in creating an aesthetic that honoured Jewish traditions while highlighting the dancers' movements.

I consider myself deeply Jewish and I have a very close relationship with Eretz Israel, these are the most important values that are reflected in my creations and my life.

Sara's designs evolved, incorporating the vibrant colours and textures of Mexico into the Jewish aesthetic, resulting in a unique fusion called Judeo-Mexican Folklore. This distinctive style not only celebrates Jewish heritage but also reflects Mexico's cultural richness. "Through costumes and dance, we tell stories that transcend cultural barriers and share our unique vision of the world," says Sara. The competitive nature of Festival Aviv has provided a platform for costume designers to innovate while honouring tradition. This dynamic has fostered a cycle of inspiration and aspiration among young participants, who dream of donning these intricate costumes.

Photograph by Aaron Cohen, 2022

Sara has established positive and efficient collaborations with directors, choreographers, set and light designers. Over the years, these partnerships have driven the evolution of costume design in Jewish dance. Her proposals often inspire new choreographies, requiring creative freedom, trust, and close collaboration. Today, her costumes are designed to transform on stage, merging seamlessly with the dancers' movements to create a captivating visual experience. Sara's deep research into Jewish and Israeli attire ensures that her designs respect and reflect cultural traditions. By selecting appropriate materials within budget constraints, she creates costumes that convey the richness of Jewish heritage on stage. "We create transcendental moments where young people of Jewish identity dress as their ancestors did, fostering social cohesion and cultural continuity," she explains. This aesthetic syncretism on stage commemorates the Jewish community's existence in Mexico and their freedom to celebrate their culture.

Sara's journey is a testament to her dedication and creativity, enriching the Jewish dance community and preserving its vibrant traditions through her exceptional costume designs.

“I consider myself deeply Jewish and I have a very close relationship with Eretz Israel, these are the most important values ​​that are reflected in my creations and my life”.