DanceJerusalem offers university-level artistic and technical training in the disciplines of Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance Choreography (including Ohad Naharin’s GaGa). Our DanceJerusalem program will give you the artistic training and inspiration to create and perform meaningful works. This joint initiative of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance (JAMD) on the Edmund J. Safra Campus on Givat Ram and Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) allows you to benefit from the expertise and support of two highly respected institutions. JAMD’s dance courses will push you to reach beyond your physical limits and give you the confidence to create, rehearse, and perform your own works. You will also explore Israel’s rich and vibrant culture through field trips, social activities, and courses on Hebrew language, Israel, and the Middle East. Read about a past DanceJerusalem student.
DanceJerusalem students take artistic and technical training courses at the JAMD in the disciplines of classical ballet, contemporary dance, choreography, repertoire, and improvisation. Courses are also taken at the Rothberg International School in a variety of areas such as Jewish, Israel, and Middle East studies; international relations; human rights; behavioral sciences; and Hebrew- and Arabic-language studies.
Program Structure & Credits
You may study for a semester or year.
Year Program (Late August through late June)
You may earn up to 39 credits for the following studies:
- September Pre-Semester
September Undergraduate Ulpan at RIS
(Intensive Hebrew-language course, 5 credits)
Israeli Choreographers Repertoire Workshop at JAMD (4 credits)
- Autumn Semester
Dance classes at JAMD (9 credits)
Two classes at RIS (6 credits)
- Spring Semester
Dance classes at JAMD (9 credits)
Two classes at RIS (6 credits)
Semester Program (Autumn or Spring)
You may earn up to 20 credits for the following studies:
- September (Autumn) or Late January (Spring) Pre-Semester
September Undergraduate Ulpan or Winter Ulpan at RIS
(Intensive Hebrew-language course, 5 credits)
Israeli Choreographers Repertoire Workshop at JAMD (4 credits autumn/2 credits spring)
- Autumn or Spring Semester
Dance classes at JAMD (9 credits)
Two classes at RIS (6 credits)
Courses
JAMD Dance Courses*
- Classical Ballet
Based on traditional techniques, including the Vaganova Technique and Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, as well as all elements of barre, centre, and full combinations from adagio through petite and grande allegro.
- Contemporary Dance
Based on the modern dance techniques of Merce Cunningham and Martha Graham, contemporary release techniques, and Ohad Naharin’s Gaga, taught by dancers of the BatSheva Dance Company.
- Choreography
Production of original student works under the guidance of working faculty choreographers, in cooperation with student composers from JAMD’s Department of Music Composition.
- Repertoire Workshops
Intensive rehearsals with contemporary Israeli choreographers, creating new works with DanceJerusalem students.
- Improvisation
Structured improvisation in cooperation with students from both JAMD’s Multi-Disciplinary Music Department and the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.
- Dance in Israel
Combination of theoretical and practical study of the contemporary Israeli dance world, including workshops, performances, rehearsals, lectures, demonstrations, and field trips with many of the companies and choreographers working in Israel today.
*Credits earned in each course may vary from 1 to 4, depending on a variety of criteria that you’ll learn about at your orientation.
Hebrew University’s RIS Courses
You will take two courses (6 credits) per semester to enhance your Israel experience and provide inspiration for your art. View the HebrewU course catalog and faculty list.
You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life, including a tour of the Old City, a trip to the Dead Sea, and festivals that are held throughout the year. Build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. You’ll live on the Mount Scopus Campus with other international and Israeli students, giving you a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus and Israeli life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, are also here to help you adjust to your new surroundings – and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.
While studying at HebrewU, you’ll experience Jerusalem’s incredible mosaic of cultures, foods, religions, and people. Stroll through a lively street market or spend an evening with friends at a trendy nightclub. Immerse yourself in the flourishing arts and culture scene. Jerusalem hosts a number of dance and theater companies – and an exciting lineup of dance, music, and arts festivals take place throughout the year. Creatives, scholars, entrepreneurs, scientists, and activists all flock to Jerusalem, making it an exciting place to study abroad. As you discover first-hand Jerusalem’s rich history and culture, you will gain another source of inspiration for your art. Learn more about Jerusalem and start planning your adventure.
Apply by: June 15 (full year and autumn semester); November 30 (spring semester)
Arrive on campus by: August 20 (year and autumn semester); January 23 (spring semester)
Program length: Semester or year
View our Academic Calendar for registration dates and more.
View special interest program fees.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships, based on demonstrated need or merit, are available. To apply, follow the procedure required by your local office.
In order to apply, you must have already completed at least 28 credits from an accredited college or university. (Exceptions made for strong auditions.) Your cumulative GPA should be a minimum of 3.0 (B) or equivalent. Graduate students are also eligible. You will be required to audition as part of your application. Applications will be jointly reviewed by Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.
English Language Requirement
If you are from a non-English-speaking country and have not previously studied at an institution of higher education where the language of instruction is English, you are required to take an English proficiency test. A minimum TOEFL score of 89 on the internet-based test is required. The school code for TOEFL is 0206. Equivalent Cambridge or IELTS scores are also acceptable.
