Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company
The Kibbutz Dance Company was founded in 1973 in Kibbutz Ga'aton in Western Galilee by the late Yehudit Arnon, one of the pioneers of dance education in Israel and recipient of the Israel Prize. Today, under the artistic direction of Rami Be'er, the company has become synonymous with a unique and groundbreaking dance and stands in line with the best modern dance companies in the world. The troop is adored in Israel and has gained international recognition. They perform in many of the most prestigious theatres and festivals around the world.
The company's dancers live and create in Ga’aton the International Dance Village. The vibrant cultural centre is dedicated to promoting and nurturing movement and dance. In addition to the Kibbutz Dance Company and the Young Company ("Kibbutzit 2"), the village hosts the "Dance Journey" a program in cooperation with the Jewish Agency, with an annual program of workshops and summer courses. The Dance Village is a magnet for dancers and artists from Israel and around the world who seek to enrich knowledge and be inspired. Each year, about 4,000 dancers, choreographers and dance professionals visit the village.
The company works to make dance accessible by performing to students all over the country. With a conviction that dance has a special status in our society, the dancers dedicate their time to education and social mission, exposing lay audiences to dance, and inviting population of all ages – from children to seniors – from neighbouring communities, cultures and religions to participate in dance and movement workshops that explore the connection between body and mind.
Since 2013, the Anatta Foundation has been helping to fund dance performances by the company for schools from the Arab sector. This contribution enabled the company to give the students a glimpse into the language of dance, enrich their cultural world and introduce them to contemporary Israeli creativity.