Improving the world
Infusing American dance with the culture and spirit of Israel.
Fulfilling mission of education, outreach, and support of innovative artistry through the Koresh School of Dance, the Koresh Kids Dance program in the Philadelphia public schools, and the presentation of the annual Come Together Dance Festival, which brings dancers and choreographers from across the city of Philadelphia and the nation together on one stage.
Home
Born: Yehud, outside of Tel Aviv
HQ: Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Money
Came to America in 1983 after serving in the IDF. Founded Koresh Dance Company in 1991. Opened Koresh School of Dance in 1993. Now headquartered in a large, state-of-the-art facility that is a hub for dance culture on the East Coast. Multi-year recipient of choreography fellowships from the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Koresh Dance Company presents several major pieces each year at home and on tour internationally.
Current Theme
Koresh Dance Company's latest piece, "Aftershock," is a meditation on immigration and artistic identity: the reverberation of hostile receptions, the challenge of gaining acceptance, and the risk of losing oneself to the expectations of a new environment. "Culture shock shakes you up. Then you live, you create, shaken up."
Ronen Koresh, Founder,
Koresh Dance Company
Koresh Dance Company
Koresh Dance Company was founded in 1991 by Israeli-born choreographer and artistic director Ronen (Roni) Koresh. Known for its focus on technique and athleticism, the company performs critically acclaimed works at its home in Philadelphia as well as in touring performances around the globe. The company also presents work by guest choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Robert Battle, Donald Byrd, Itzik Galili, and Paul Selwyn Norton.
Since opening in 1993, the Koresh School of Dance has been the company home and a center for dance training. Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, just off Rittenhouse Square, the studio offers daily classes for both children and adults. Beginning dancers and professionals alike can choose from over 60 classes each week in styles including jazz, ballet, pointe, hip hop, modern, and tap.
In 2008, the Koresh Youth Ensemble was established to provide serious young dancers with intensive training and professional performance opportunities. Students who demonstrate both the talent and desire to pursue dance professionally audition for the ensemble each year. Under the direction of Melissa Rector, Assistant Artistic Director of Koresh Dance Company, ensemble members have the opportunity to learn both original choreography and company repertory. They perform during the company's home seasons at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre as well as at Koresh Artist Showcases throughout the year.
In addition to performance and instruction, Koresh Dance Company is committed to community building and outreach. While on tour, the company provides diverse outreach offerings that connect with dancers and non-dancers alike. Activities including post-performance discussions, residencies, lecture demonstrations, and master classes that bring dance off the stage and into the lives of audiences across the country. At home, the Koresh Kids Dance program brings arts education to underserved children by creating partnerships with Philadelphia public schools and providing free weekly dance classes for 4th and 5th grade students, promoting creativity as a conduit for non-violence and achievement.
Koresh extends dance education and performance resources to its community by presenting emerging artists in bi-monthly Koresh Artist Showcases. The showcases present work by local choreographers and artists, providing individuals and companies in the community an opportunity to perform their work at no cost and before a wider audience. In 2013, Koresh expanded the showcase model to present over two dozen companies in the Come Together Dance Festival, which is now an annual opportunity for Philadelphia and national dancers, choreographers, and audiences to create and experience a wide array of dance forms and styles.
Whether on the road or at home, Koresh Dance Company sets a standard for creativity, artistic excellence, and innovation.