Ballet in Israel (ישראל) is part of the country's broader dance culture, which includes both classical and contemporary styles. Israel (ישראל) has a number of ballet practitioners and enthusiasts who engage in ballet through professional companies, schools, and events primarily in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
One key ballet company in Israel is The Israel Ballet, which performs classical and neoclassical repertoire. The company holds auditions for dancers and maintains a presence in the professional ballet scene. Additionally, there are established modern and contemporary dance companies like Batsheva, but they focus less on traditional ballet.
There are several ballet schools in Israel, notably the Shira Ganor Ballet School in Tel Aviv, which prepares students for professional careers following the American Ballet Theatre guidelines. This school offers ballet training for children and young adults and includes modern dance and pointe classes. Other schools such as the International Ballet School TLV also provide ballet classes, especially catering to English-speaking children.
Ballet auditions occur mainly for The Israel Ballet; these auditions seek dancers with strong classical and neoclassical technique. Auditions are held periodically and require submission of CVs and performance reels. There are not many ballet-specific competitions widely known, but ballet dancers often participate in broader dance competitions and events.
For ballet supplies, dancers in Israel can shop at a few specialized ballet stores that support walk-in customers. Notable among these is Click Dance in Tel Aviv, which offers ballet shoes and apparel. Another option is Pretty Ballerinas with locations including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which provides ballet footwear and accessories.
In summary, ballet resources in Israel include a professional company, dedicated ballet schools, auditions for professional dancers, and specialized supply shops mainly located in Tel Aviv. Some ballet dancers may travel internationally or to nearby cultural centers for additional training and performance opportunities due to the limited number of classical ballet institutions locally.
