Deca Dance

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. 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.
Batsheva Dance Company was founded as a repertory company in 1964 by the Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild, who enlisted Martha Graham as artistic adviser. Despite its youth, Batsheva was immediately granted the honor of being the first company outside Graham’s own troupe to perform the legendary choreographer’s dances. During its first few decades, Batsheva Dance Company was guided by artistic directors Jane Dudley, Norman Walker, Brian MacDonald, William Louther, Kaj Lothman (who also jointly directed with Linda Hodes for one year), Paul Sanasardo, Moshe Romano, David Dvir, and Shelley Sheer. Each director varied the repertory with works by prominent American and European choreographers and introduced new creations by emerging Israeli artists. Batsheva was also shaped by Robert Cohan, who served as artistic advisor during Romano’s directorship, and by a series of rehearsal directors including Ruth Harris, Romano, Hodes, Amira Meroz, Rena Gluck (who also served briefly as associate director), Rahamim Ron, and Jean Geddis.
Ohad Naharin was appointed as Artistic Director in 1990. Naomi Bloch-Fortis served as Associate Artistic Director and Executive Director until September 2009.
Dina Aldor is the Company's Executive Director as of September 2009. Since 1989, Batsheva Dance Company has been in residence at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Tel Aviv.