DanceJerusalem

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 you will 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; Hebrew and Arabic-language.

Program Structure & Credits

You may study for a semester or year.

All programs begin with the Pre-Semester “Encountering Jerusalem” Program (3 credits) which will acquaint you with the language, culture and history of Jerusalem.

Note: If you are interested in an internship, you can begin your placement during the Pre-Semester

Year Program (late August through late June)

You may earn up to 34 credits for the following:

• Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem”
• Israeli Choreographers Repertoire Workshop at JAMD (3 credits)
• Two classes at RIS (6 credits)

Semester Program (Autumn or Spring)

You may earn up to 20 credits for the following:

• Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem”
• Israeli Choreographers Repertoire Workshop at JAMD (4 credits autumn/2 credits spring)
• Dance classes at JAMD (9 credits)
• Two classes at RIS (6 credits)

*If you are interested in an internship, you can begin your placement during the Pre-Semester

Courses

• Classical Ballet:  Based on traditional techniques, including the Vaganova Technique and Royal Academy of Dance syllabus as well as all elements of barre, center and full combinations from adagio through petite and grande allegro.
• Modern Dance Techniques:
  Modern dance technique
  Release Technique
  Based on the modern dance technique of Lester Horton
  Based on the modern dance technique of Merce Cunningham
  Floor Work
  Contemporary
• Gaga
• Dance Improvisation – Structured Improvisation
• Improvisation for Dancers and Musicians – in cooperation with students from the JAMD’s Multi-Disciplinary Music Department.
• Choreography
• Repertoire Workshops
• Video dance – Photography and Editing
• Dance in Israel – Combination of theoretical and practical study of the contemporary Israeli dance world.

*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: On a Rolling Admissions Basis (year and autumn semester); November 30 (spring semester)

Program length: Semester or year

View our Academic Calendar for registration dates and more.

For financial information, see Tuition & 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.

The following audition materials are required by the JAMD and should be sent to them directly: 

1)  A short video (up to 7 minutes) including the following classical ballet exercises:

1. Center Adagio
2. Corner Pirouettes
3. Petit Allegro
4. Grand Allegro

 2) A short video (up to 5 minutes) including the following contemporary/modern dance exercises:

1. Floor Work
2. Traveling Center Combination

 3) A short improvisation video (up to 3 minutes)

 Note:

• You can replace videos 1 and/or 2 with a solo from the International Dance Repertoire.

These videos should be sent to Ms. Shir Taieb, Coordinator for the International Students’ office at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance: shir@jamd.ac.il .

After sending them to the JAMD, please make sure to update Moriah Lamb, at the North American Office of Academic Affairs: mlamb@hebrewu.org