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Batsheva Dance Company, founded in 1964 by Baroness Batsheva de Rothschild and Martha Graham, is Israel\'s flagship contemporary dance ensemble and one of the most-watched in the world. Under Ohad Naharin\'s direction (1990-2018) it became globally known for the Gaga movement language and signature works like Anaphaza, Decadance, and Echad Mi Yodea. This lesson covers the founding, the major repertoire, the touring international standing, the Suzanne Dellal home, and the controversies that periodically shadow the company.
Cultural note, Batsheva is one of Israel\'s most successful cultural exports, touring 50-70 cities a year. It is also a frequent BDS-protest target abroad, especially since the 2010s. Inside Israel, Batsheva is part of the Tel Aviv cultural identity: the Suzanne Dellal Center in Neve Tzedek is its home stage, and a Friday-night Batsheva ticket is a standard date-night option for the secular middle class.
Founding & Patrons
Ohad Naharin Era 1990-2018
Signature Works
International & Local Reception
Today (2018-)
An Evening at Suzanne Dellal
A short reading: arriving for a Batsheva show at Suzanne Dellal in Neve Tzedek, courtyard light, programme notes, what the dancers are about to do, what the body language tells you that the words can\'t.