I have been traveling to Israel a lot since 2015. Although I made aliyah in 2023, I don’t live in Israel full time. However, I’ve returned four times since October 7. I was on my way that day, but my flight was abruptly canceled, so I arrived a few days later. The trauma was everywhere, and it was shocking.
In the immediate aftermath, amid an active war–sirens blaring, dashes to safe rooms, rockets overhead, domestic protests, and a sense of collective stress and grief –Batsheva Dance Company was virtually in lockdown. But in the weeks following October 7, Batsheva offered a free Gaga class to those seeking solace and support; people showed up. Then another class, and another. In December, Batsheva was given the green light to perform. They performed Kamuyot for displaced people from Israel’s periphery, soon followed by sold-out shows night after night at the Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre. Batsheva danced and danced and danced throughout.
The courage and resilience of Batsheva’s dancers and staff over the past 20 months continue to astound their supporters, as they remain committed to making connections during a time of trepidation.
On my recent trip to Israel last month, I met fellow AFB board member Iris Cohen in person for the first time.
Photo by Ascaf
Update from Dina Aldor
Dear friends,
It's been over 600 days of the worst war ever experienced by Israelis. It is inconceivable to think of the tortured hostages and of the agony of their families, and devastating to witness the horrendous physical destruction and the killing rampage in Gaza.
It is a daily challenge to continue, yet we know that our art is the most effective tool of resistance. We see how moved our audiences are by the beauty and depth of the work, highlighting the greater human bond which connects us all. The first quarter of 2025 was marked by a return to international touring. The senior company performed Ohad Naharin's MOMO in Berlin, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Santa Barbara, and New York, to full houses with close to 25,000 exceptionally warm spectators. The Ensemble had a successful month-long tour throughout March with 14 shows of Virus in various cities in France, reaching close to 11,000 spectators. We are preparing and looking forward to two important summer tours: we open the prestigious Montpellier Dance Festival with MOMO in June and have a sold-out run of 9 shows of Virus at La Villette in Paris.
This has been a challenging season, in all respects. The emotional toll of our daily reality, which affects all of us, has underlined for the dancers the extreme physical demands of their intense schedule, which is unavoidable to generate the self-income we need for survival. Despite the war, the great uncertainty and the ever-changing work plan, our Financial Reports for 2024 are very good. It is the achievement of Batsheva's outstanding CFO and finance department, and reflects the extraordinary team effort throughout the year across the organization, manifesting admirable professional capabilities to turn dire circumstances and cancellations into life-affirming achievements.
I take this opportunity to thank you wholeheartedly for your friendship in these dire times, for having our back and offering help and support in all matters. We are blessed with the wonderful community of American friends.
Calling for the immediate return of all hostages and for the end of war, and in prayer for peace, always,
Yours,
Dina Aldor
CEO, Batsheva Dance Company
Photo by Gadi Dagon
Mr. Gaga 10th Anniversary Screening & Talkback
Thursday, July 10 7:00 pm Screening 8:40 pm Talkback 9:10 pm Wine and Cheese Reception
The Moviehouse
48 Main Street
Millerton, NY 12546
In Conversation:
Ella Baff – former Executive and Artistic Director of Jacob’s Pillow & AFB Board Member
Omri Drumlevich – former Batsheva dancer featured in the film and now a Gaga teacher
It’s free, but registration is required. Please click below to register now.
Move to the Rhythm with Gaga
Join us for a special Gaga class that brings the film Mr. Gaga to life, taught by none other than Omri Drumlevich, one of the film’s featured dancers. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to dance where the story began! No dance experience is required for the class!
Friday, July 11
11:00 am
Colonial Theater
27 Railroad Street
North Canaan, CT
We are excited to share a series of special giving opportunities that allow you to make a meaningful impact in ways that align with your philanthropic priorities. Each initiative supports a vital aspect of our work—from nurturing the dancers to expanding Batsheva’s reach and deepening community engagement. Click on the projects below to read the one-page summaries outlining five distinct opportunities:
While these targeted initiatives offer unique ways to support our work, general donations are always welcome and deeply appreciated, providing us with the flexibility to meet our most pressing needs. Click here to read more about how you can support American Friends of Batsheva.
Photo by Ascaf
Dancer Billy Barry Featured in the
“Bat-what-va?” was Billy Barry's reaction the first time he heard about Batsheva Dance Company as a Juilliard student. 13 years later, he would leave Batsheva as a veteran dancer, rehearsal director, and choreographer. Read Stav Ziv's article in the Forward to hear about Billy's first meeting with Ohad that changed the trajectory of his career.
Photo by Ascaf
Docu-Dancers: Danai Porat
Watch the newest edition of Batsheva’s docu-series. Company dancer Danai Porat talks about the Grecian roots of her love of dance and her eventful years as a Batsheva dancer. Filmed and edited by Roee Shalti.
Photo by Ascaf
The Hole Returns to the Stage
Visiting Israel? See Ohad Naharin's The Hole in a special series of performances from July 8th - 19th in Batsheva's Tel Aviv blackbox theater. See the full run schedule here.
