Born: 1938 (Tel Aviv, Israel)
Biography:
Rina Schenfeld (Hebrew: ) is an Israeli choreographer and dancer who has made significant contributions to the field of dance. Born in Tel Aviv in 1938, Schenfeld began her journey in the world of dance at the age of 12 when she started studying classical ballet. However, her encounter with the performance of renowned dancer Martha Graham inspired her to switch to modern dance. Realizing the expressive potential of this contemporary form, Schenfeld pursued her training in dance at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.
Schenfeld’s talent and dedication to her craft brought her opportunities to dance both in Israel and the United States. She danced with the Lyric Theater of Anna Sokolow in Israel and had the privilege of working with Martha Graham herself, as well as other leading choreographers in the United States. It was during this time that she honed her skills and emerged as a captivating dancer.
In 1964, Graham and Baroness Batsheva De Rothschild collaboratively founded Batsheva, one of Israel’s most prominent dance companies. Schenfeld was chosen to be the prima ballerina and choreographer of Batsheva, a role that would prove to be pivotal in her career. Under Schenfeld’s leadership, Batsheva gained global recognition and acclaim for their innovative and groundbreaking performances. Schenfeld’s choreographic talent, combined with the works of renowned international choreographers, contributed to the company’s success and cemented her position as one of the most important artists of her generation.
In 1978, Schenfeld decided to embark on a new creative journey and left Batsheva to establish her own dance theater, the Rina Schenfeld Dance Theater. This marked a pivotal moment in her career, as she not only continued to choreograph and perform but also became a mentor and teacher to a new generation of Israeli dancers. Schenfeld’s contribution to the Israeli dance scene cannot be overstated. She played a key role in shaping the country’s dance landscape, blending elements of dance theater, Bauhaus, modern, and classical styles to create an eclectic and distinctive choreographic language.
One notable aspect of Schenfeld’s choreography is her incorporation of physical objects into her performances. Using objects as a medium, she guides the audience’s imagination to new realms of experiences beyond the dance itself. This unique element adds depth and enhances the visual and emotional impact of her work.
Throughout her career, Schenfeld has created several key works that have left a lasting impact on the world of dance. La Sylphide (2011), a multimedia masterpiece, seamlessly integrates video, poetry, and electronic music with dance. Dance to the End of Love (2008) marked Schenfeld’s first foray into multimedia, incorporating video art and singing into her choreography. Silk Threads (1983) set to music by Menachem Tsur and Steve Reich showcases dancers intertwining streams of cloth, branches, and even an aquarium. Cans and Hair, Sticks and Balloons (1980) is a striking performance in which Schenfeld dances with a large tin on her head, rhythmically beating it as she moves.
For her significant contributions to art and culture, Schenfeld has been honored with the prestigious EMET Prize for Art, Science, and Culture in the category of Dance. Awarded in 2003, this recognition reflects Schenfeld’s impact on the field and her lifelong dedication to pushing the boundaries of dance.
Rina Schenfeld’s life and artistry embody the transformative power of dance. Her ability to merge classical and modern styles, her innovative use of physical objects, and her mentorship of future generations have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the world of dance. Through her choreographic brilliance and dedication to her craft, Schenfeld has left an indelible mark on the world of dance and continues to inspire generations of dancers and artists alike.
Awards:
– The EMET Prize for Art, Science, and Culture in the category of Dance (2003)