Batsheva Dance Company has been critically acclaimed and popularly embraced as one of the most exciting contemporary dance companies in the world. Together with its junior Batsheva Ensemble, the organization boasts a roster of 40 dancers drawn from Israel and abroad. Touring extensively throughout the country and internationally, the two companies present 250 performances annually.
Ohad Naharin assumed the role of Artistic Director in 1990 and propelled the company into a new era with his adventurous curatorial vision, distinctive choreographic voice, and revolutionary movement language, Gaga. Sharon Eyal was appointed House Choreographer in 2005, and Adi Salant joined the artistic leadership as Associate Artistic Director in September 2009. In its current repertory focusing on works by Naharin and Eyal, Batsheva Dance Company has won praise for fearless, full-bodied, movingly honest performances.
Through daily training in Gaga, Batsheva’s dancers research new movement possibilities and awaken their dynamic sensitivity. They bring an eager curiosity and ripe imagination to rehearsals, where they participate actively in the creative process. Company members are also encouraged to express their unique talents by creating for the annual Batsheva Dancers Create project.
Many of the main company’s dancers honed their skills as members of Batsheva Ensemble, which cultivates dancers from ages 18-24 and carries out the educational agenda of Batsheva. In addition to performing for young audiences around the country, the Ensemble holds open rehearsals, Gaga classes, and repertory workshops for dance schools. Batsheva Ensemble also engages in outreach activities, performing for underserved populations throughout Israel. The Batsheva Ensemble performances for children and young adults are dedicated to Sharon Peterburg.
Since 1989, Batsheva Dance Company has been in residence at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Tel Aviv. The company is funded jointly by the Ministry of Culture and Sport and the Municipality of Tel Aviv. Touring support is provided by the Department of Cultural and Scientific Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
