MISSION STATEMENT - BIO

Keshet Chaim, "Rainbow of Life", is an American-Israeli contemporary dance troupe, celebrating the spirit of Judaism and Israeli culture throughout the world. The group's repertoire is inspired by Jewish life in many lands and covers a vast span of history, from the time of Solomon and Sheba to the present.

Artistic Director, Eytan Avisar and his company transcend generations of Jewish thought and emotion through a mosaic of music, dance and color. The company began in l983 and is presently the major professional company of Israeli folk dancers in the United States. Keshet Chaim's mission is to express the spirit of Judaism and Israeli culture throughout the world, and to combat prejudice and anti-Semitism by educating through the arts. The company operates under the belief that culture diffusion and dissemination of artistic values is key to the betterment of society. The company's mission includes both preserving and extending the heritage of ethnic dance and music found in the diverse communities of the Jewish Diaspora. Influenced by world music, the multi-ethnic roots of the Jewish people, and a constant drive for interpreting and exploring Jewish values through art, Keshet Chaim serves as both a repertory ensemble for traditional forms and a laboratory for contemporary works based on these traditions. Keshet Chaim has become a pioneer in the development of Jewish dance and seeks to focus its mission by teaching the richness of the cultures within their community to Jews and non-Jews alike.

The ensemble represented Los Angeles twice at the Karmiel Festival in Israel, to great acclaim. Travels have included Moscow, Israel, Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Texas, Florida and extensively in California. They have performed locally throughout the community for many organizations, festivals and schools. Their regular productions include concerts with the company as well as many Israeli artists.

Keshet Chaim has become more involved with working in the schools. They have been accepted to the Los Angeles County Arts Resource Directory and have also recently become an arts partner with the Los Angeles Unified School District. On November 6, 2005 they will be hosting an all day workshop called "Moving Out of the Box, Israeli Folk Dance in Jewish Education", at the Skirball Cultural Center to teach teachers to use Israeli dance in the classroom.

The company has received funding from the California Arts Council, the LA County Arts Commission, the Cultural Affairs Department, various Foundations, corporations and private donors. They have also been supported by the Jewish Federation, the University of Judaism, the Skirball Cultural Center and the Consul General of Israel.