The Company

DANCERS
 

MIKAELA ARNESON recently moved to Los Angeles to start a dance career, she has already been signed to DDO agency and can be seen in live shows, music videos, and commercials. Mikaela joined Keshet Chaim as a soloist for the 2011 concert Rythm and Roots at the Ford Ampitheatre in Hollywood, and has been performing and touring with Keshet even since.

HAREL ASARAF was born and raised in Los Angeles and he loves to dance. He started dancing at the age of 18 doing Israeli Folk dancing as a hobby. In 2008, he joined Keshet Chaim where he performs and teaches young children Israeli Folk Dances. Harel also provides respite care with Special Needs young adults helping them to improve their social skills in the outside world. His idea of enjoying life is to help others and to do that, he is pursing a degree in Child and Adolescence Development to help those children who are usually neglected.

ANGELA BERGAMO is a recent honors graduate from Loyola Marymount University where she double majored in Dance and Communications. Angela began dancing competitively at a young age and is trained in a variety of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, musical theater, and break dancing. Angela cherishes a variety of dancing and acting experiences and has performed professionally in films, at Disneyland, and on television for TeenNick. In 2011, she performed at the MLB All Star Gala with CeeLo Green and Jordin Sparks. She has also enjoyed performing in the university setting, at festivals, on cruise ships, and in Neil Patrick Harris and Jon Braver's play, Delusion: The Blood Rite. She is a member of Mosaic Dance Company through Mosaic Church in Hollywood and enjoys choreographing and collaborating with peers. Angela is grateful to be a part of Keshet Chaim and greatly enjoys being a part of the Keshet Family.

GALIT BERNSTEIN born in Israel, and has danced at Kiryat Sharet Holon High-school (modern and ballet), Shalom Israel Folk Dance Group, and Drom Hasharon Israeli Folk Dance Group. She is married to Yossi Bernstein and graduated as a CPA. Raising two sweet girls, Hila and Ronnie, Galit joined Keshet Chaim in 2003, when she moved from Israel to Los Angeles. Now Galit is working as Assistant Controller at Talon International, Inc., Nasdaq public traded. 

TONY BRACAMONTE is currently in his senior year of his Undergraduate Degree Program in Theatre Arts and Dance at California State University, Los Angeles. After an extensive Theatre background training Tony made his transition into Dance two years ago. Tony's main dance focus is primarily in Modern, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. After graduation Tony plans to continue developing his dance career but also make his way onto the stage or on screen.

MEITAL BRAHA  started dancing ballet when she was six years old and when she was 15 she joined "Shalom Israel" (an israeli folk dance group in Ashdod, Israel). In 2005 she established a company - 'Sportuly' in Ashdod and worked together with schools, educational groups and teachers to develop teaching sessions for young children using music and dance techniques. Meital moved to Los Angeles in 2007 following her heart and joined the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble. Recently she decided to go back to work with children and established 'Sportuly' in Los Angeles now she is working mainly with the Jewish community in L.A and helping Keshet Chaim in their educational mission.

 LEE BRODA has performed in Israel, Europe, Canada and the United States in such venues as the Kodak Theater, Walt Disney Hall, Paramount Studios, Gibson Ampitheater, Thousand Oaks Civic Art Plaza, Ford Theater and PBS. Her stage credits also include Hannah in Raps, Lady Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, Eden in Feeding the Moonfish, Elizabeth in This is Our Town Too, Irina in Chekhov 's Sister and Mary Warren in The Crucible. Lee also acted in Feature Films and Shorts in Los Angeles, Arizona and Israel.

CHAVA CAIYEM has been performing since the age of twelve. She was awarded 11 Gold and Silver medals in international dance competitions between the ages of 12 and 15. Chava graduated from the prestigious NY Theater and Dance program at Binghamton University, where she found herself presented with incredible performance opportunities including the NYC Opera's performance of La Traviata. Since Chava's recent move to the LA area she has been featured in various music videos, commercials and print both as a performer and as a make-up artist. Chava is a full time high school dance coach and has choreographed her team to medalling in Southern California Competitions. Chava has been a member of the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble since early 2011, and is beyond proud to be a part of the Keshet Chaim family. She has a true passion for dance and the arts , but at the end of the day she is still just a small town farm girl from Denver, Colorado.

SHIRI COHEN was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel and moved to Los Angeles at the age of nine. Dancing since the age of four, she majored in jazz and hip hop. She has been teaching and choreographing shows & TV appearances for the past 15 years. She currently teaches hip hop at New Community Jewish High School and recently joined Keshet Chaim & KC Drummers.

HAI COHEN     born in Israel in 1984, started dancing at the Bat-Dor dance school in Ber-Sheva, Israel.  He trained in classical ballet, advanced level R.A.D method, Martha Graham modern technique, contemporary, jazz and flamenco. He danced in the Kamea Dance Company and the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, travelling with both companies world-wide. In Los Angeles he has worked with Body Traffic, LA and is now proud to be a part of Keshet Chaim.    

JANELLE CRUZ comes to Keshet Chaim from Guam. In addition to Israeli folk dancing, she enjoys many genres of dance such as Bollywood, hip hop and jazz funk.  She has performed in music videos for artists such as Kelly Rowland and Simple Plan and worked at Disney's California Adventure.
 

EMMY FREVELE began her dance training at the age of 2 in Northern California. She trained in all forms of dance and developed a huge array of special skills. She began dancing professionally while in college on stage with Rogue Valley Opera Company. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in dance in October, 2011. She has since worked with some of the biggest industry professionals: Kenny Ortega, Liz 
 Imperio, Daniel "Cloud" Campos, Tony Testa, Toni Basil, and many more! Emmy is a dancer, choreographer, and performer. She teaches tumbling and dance and edits music professionally, too! She is signed with Go 2 Talent Agency and is currently dancing with ACFCLA and x:Animo Dance Crew and living life to its absolute fullest!   

ERICA GOLDMAN is the dance director of Camp Alonim at the Brandeis-Bardin Campus of the American Jewish University, runs a weekly Israeli dance session in Los Angeles, and teaches dance at New Community Jewish High School. She's been performing with Israeli and international troupes for 15 years, on both coasts of the US!

CECILIA HANONO is originally from Argentina, where she performed dance and competed in gymnastics. When she came to the States, she fell in love with Israeli dance and joined Keshet Chaim in 2004. Since 2005, she has been teaching Israeli culture through the arts.  She teaches tolerance, diversity and multiculturalism through Israeli folk dance in both, Jewish organizations and in the Los Angeles Unified School District, through Keshet Chaim, where she serves as the Director of Education.

LIOR HAYKEEN was born in Haifa, Israel. She began her training in classical ballet at the age of four. Ever since then, she was also trained in jazz, lyrical ballet, and modern dance. Throughout her school years, she has performed and competed throughout the country. She has a passion for Israeli dancing and recently began teaching Israeli dancing for kids.

TAMMI JOHNSON, a graduate from the University of California, Berkeley (2007), has extensive training in dance styles ranging from jazz/lyrical, ballet, modern, hip-hop, African, bollywood and gymnastics. She can be seen on the television show American Dreams (Universal) and has performed live with comedic pop star Weird Al Yankovic during his "Running with Scissors" tour. She has choreographed and performed in both the MTV music video for avant-garde rock band The Autumns, as well as choreographed and performed live with the shape-shifting punk rock collective The Sound of Animals Fighting, whose last two albums charted at Billboard. Tammie assisted Kobi Rozenfeld with Beyonce's "Scared of Lonely" choreography in the "I am Sasha Fierce" tour of 2009 and has performed live with international celebrities such as India's pop diva, Kavita Krishnamurty, and Israel's most cherished singer, RITA. Regional Theatre credits include- Crazy for you (Mitzi), Cats (Tantomile), and the first regional production of Disney's Tarzan (ensemble/ariel and tumbling Ape). Other live performances include appearances in Jacques Heim's Diavolo Dance Theater (KA-Cirque du Soliel), Christina Woodard's IN*Formation and Debra Brockus' Spectrum. The last two choreographed by Denise Leitner (Tommy, Fairy Tales Across the World). She can be seen in numerous performances nationally and internationally with Blue 13 dance Co. (Director Achinta McDaniel) as well as Keshet dance Co. (Director Genie Benson). She was a dance coach for the award winning West Ranch Dance Team and taught at several studios in Los Angeles, CA.

GITIT KOHAVIE, born and raised in Israel, always had a passion for dance. Once she finally started training at 16, it was clear that she is an energetic and charismatic dancer with captivating performing skills. After winning a Nike hip hop championship in Israel, she was brought to Los Angeles and trained with L.A's top choreographers such as Jamie King. In 2009, after participating in Israel's So You Think You Can Dance, and performing with some of Israel's top artists, Kohavie decided to take her career one step further and move to L.A. Today, she dances with Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble and her credits include Black Eyes Peas, Akon & Michael Jackson, Macy Grey, Natasha Bedingfield, and many more. Gitit also choreographed a piece in collaboration with Female Rapper MC Lyte.

TALIA KRYGIER a native Angelino, Talia joined Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble in 2009. Talia started her career competing on a high school dance team then continued her passion for dance as an assistant dance coach. Alongside dancing with the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble, Talia is also pursuing a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. 

CHEREESE MACKEY grew up in her mother's dance studio in northern California and has trained in tap, jazz, and hip hop. Her performance experience includes understudying for Sesame Street Live, dancing on Holland America Cruise ships, a DancePlug commercial, and performing with Cirque Berzerk.

MARQOS MALDONADO has been prefoming with Keshet Chaim since 2010. Marqos has been seen in Jerusalem Soul, Rhythm and Roots and toured with the company to Toronto, Canada.
 

LILIAN MANANSALA, dancer, choreographer, and master teacher, has a passion for the arts, teaching, and performing. Lilian has choreographed/danced for the Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven, Cory in the House, Hannah Montana, Sonny with a Chance, Kickin' It, So Random, Choo Choo Soul, Crash and Burnstein, and Good Luck, Charlie. She has choreographed for abcfamily’s Pretty Little Liars. Her piece Arabia performed at the 49th Annual L.A. Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, which was telecast on KCET and received an L.A. Local Emmy nomination. Lilian has taught for Al Gilbert Seminars, Dancemakers, Inc., Fusion Dance, and tamjams, and has assisted Master Teachers on Tremaine Conventions, Encore Convention, Dance Masters Association, and Hoctor’s Dance Caravan. Lilian is the Co-Founder/Co-Director of x:Animo Dance Crew, and is also currently a member, choreographer, and on the Board of Directors for Artists Community for Change in Los Angeles (ACFCLA), as well as an instructor for Degas Dance Studio, Dance Studio 84, and Pacifica Christian High School, where she is the Assistant Director for the Visual and Performing Arts. Lilian attended UCLA and majored in World Arts & Cultures. She is thrilled to be a part of Keshet! 

AILEEN MORAN started her dance training in Portland, Oregon at the age of four and has been dancing and performing ever since. She has attended summer training intensives with American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and has worked with choreographers such as Sophie Monat, Scott Heinzerling, and Lillian Barbeito. She recently graduated from Loyola Marymount University, where she studied modern dance, hip hop, contemporary, and ballet and received a Bachelor of Arts in dance. She joined Keshet Chaim in 2012. 

RACHELLE NESHKES has been dancing and performing since she was three years old.  She was a member of the Varsity Dance Team at Santa Monica High and went on to obtain aMinor in Theater, Dance & Performance Studies with a concentrationin Modern Dance from U.C. Berkeley.  She taught beginning tap, jazz, movement and Israeli folkdancing throughout high school and college.  She has additionally studied hip hop, West African Dance, salsa, swing, ballet, choreography, and Flamenco.  She received two Tapuach Zahav Awards for Excellence in Teaching from Berkeley Hillel for her courses in Israeli Folkdancing.  She and her team also received The Eli Weisel Award for Original Jewish Programming in the Arts from International Hillel.  Rachelle has loved performing with Keshet Chaim on stages such as the Kodak Theater and Walt Disney Concert Hall.  She currently resides in West L.A. with her husband, Aaron.  

DINA NELSON started her dance training at the age of four, and has been dancing, competing, and performing all over Southern California.  She has been a member of Keshet Chaim for four years and currently teaches the modern dance classes and the Award-Winning Dance Teams at the New Community Jewish High School in West Hills, CA.

MONICA PACK born in Kansas City, began tap and jazz dancing at the age of two.  In June 2009 Monica graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in dance performance and choreography from Ohio University and also had the opportunity to study dance in London at Trinity Laban.  Since moving to Los Angeles Monica has danced and performed with David Dorfman Dance Company, MiMoDa Jazz Theater, Rande Dorn Dance Company, and is now thrilled to be a part of the Keshet Chaim family. 

DOMINIC PIERSON hails from Portsmouth, Virginia and is making his debut as a solo recording artist in Los Angeles. He has studied dance and voice at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. He was most recently seen on stage in Japan with renowned Japanese artist, Jin Akanishi, performing a duet as well as back dancing. He is set to tour with Akanishi this november and has written and co produced a track for him as well. 

JAIME SALGADO is a passionate multi-trained dancer. He got his dance training at Santa Monica College in modern, jazz, jazz funk, ballet, hip hop, contemporary and bollywood. Jaime has performed with Synapse Dance Company for several years, and has been dancing for the last three years with Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble and recently joined Blue13 Dance Company. He has performed on big stages like the Kodak Theater, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Ford Theater. Jaime has also performed with international Sri Lankan singer Dushyanth Weeraman at the T-Pain Concert and International Australian singer Vassy. He has been featured as a dancer on several TV shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians and live TV news shows such as Univision, Telefutura, Telemundo, Fox news, and KTLA. Jaime's recent work includes appearing as a featured dancer in a national Vitamin Water Commercial "Grab it by the horns". He has also been featured as a dancer in the new music video by Far East Movement "Change your life". Jaime just recently had the great opportunity to work as featured dancer with Matthew Morrison from Glee for his new music video. He also just worked as a featured dancer for the legendary hip hop artist Cappadonna from the Wu-Tang Clan for his new music video "Hands Up". Jaime recently joined the cast of Bollydoll where he is featured as dancer playing an animal character. 

ANGELO SORIANO   was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and was first generation to immigrate here with his immediate family. Angelo has been training in dance for a total of four years. He started in conventions winning awards such as Hollywood Connection as ICON and "Breakout Dancer" for NUVO and ever since signing with DDO Agency. Angelo has worked with various choreographers and artists such as Tessandra Chavez, Dave Scott, Nick Demoura, Macy Gray, Disney Company and with artists such as Debby Ryan, and Shake It Up's Bella and Zendaya and most recently danced for Justin Bieber on the Disney Parks Christmas Parade.

NATALIE STEVIE is a Los Angeles native who has enjoyed studying dance and theatre from very young. She is thrilled to be a part of Keshet and combine her two loves of contemporary and classical dance styles with traditional Israeli folk dance.

SHANNI TAL has had a passion to dance ever since the age of four. In her high school years she became more serious about dancing and joined the NCJHS Varsity dance team where she was able to develop her dance technique and compete. Throughout her life Shanni has had some training in ballet, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary and hip-hop. She has only grazed the depths of several dance genres and anticipates to grow with the Keshet Chaim Dance Company. She is currently a full time student but will always find time to dance.

 D. VALENTINE is a choreographer/dancer having been with Keshet Chaim since 2008.  He has worked with Britney Spears, Gloria Trevi, Ivy Queen, Telemundo, Univision, Fox, NBC, MTV, MTV3res and many recording artists nationwide and overseas.  He hopes to bring about positive influence through dance and choreography and music to the younger generation. 

KESHET ALUMNI

YOSSI AFRIAT	SHIRA ALON	RONIT AMAYA	YOSSI AMOR
TARA AVIEL	ELON AVISAR	EYTAN AVISAR	MIKE BARTMESS
SARAH BENNETT	GENIE BENSON	LEAH BLEIWEIS	CHRISTY BOLINGBROKE
RENATA BOWMEISTER	MOSHE CAFRI	GAL CARMY	ADRIAN CARTER
NOAH DACH	REBECCA DIAMOND	HADAS DVIR	GABY ELBAZ
JOSH ELI	LUCY ERDMAN	EMILY FLORES	MICHAEL FORSCH
CARLY FOX	GARY FOX	BRIAN FRETTE	JOSH GARCIA
IDAN GIL	NICOLAS GIOIOSA	TAMARA GOLDSTEIN	NATHANIAL GOSSELIN
JUDY GREENFELD	GAL HAAS	KARLY HATFIELD	CAREN HELLER
ORIT HIPSH-GUR	GIA JACKSON	JERMAINE JOHNSON	PHIL KAMINS
TRENT KEEL	LINDSAY KARR	LALI KATZ	IRMA KLEBENOV
TISH LAEMMLE	AMY LENOBLE	ORLY LEVY	DANIELLE LICHT
DALIT MAAYAN	HAIM MALKA	ODED MANSURA	TSION MARCIANO
ASAF MEDINA	OWEN MELDY	JENNIFER NOTOWITZ	HUDSON OLIVERIA
NIR ORON	LYNN OVERTREE	ROBIN PALMAN	KARISSA PETERSON
RACHEL ROBBINS	SUMMER ROBINS	MAYA ROGEL	KOBI ROZENFELD
JULIUS RUBIO	MATT RUSTOWITZ	DORIT SABERI	BRYNN SAMMS
ITZIK SAYAG	ALISHA SELA	JASMINE SCHLEY	SILVIA SCHOFFMAN
YISHAI SCHOFFMAN	AYELET SELINGER	DMITRY SHAPLYKA	MOTI SHEMESH
SAMMY SILBERSTEIN	REBECCA SILVER-FISHER	ANDY SMITH	LEURA SPIELMAN
RACHEL TEITELBAUM	DREW TOMLINSON	SCOT TUPPER	DANA VULTAGGIO
TARYN WAYNE	RANDY WEINSTEIN	NURIT WEISS GRUNFELD	JONES WELSH
ARMEN YELOYAN	KARINA YELOYAN	SONA YELOYAN	URI ZOMBERG