Only with the creation of the modern nation-state of Israel did the country get several permanent dance ensembles built on a professional basis, even though Russian immigrant dancer Rina Nikova had already tried to establish a company in Jerusalem as early as the 1920s . Her attempt to create biblical ballets that combined classical technique with a more oriental dance style was succeeded in the 1930s by choreographers of Central European background who sought to introduce more modern dance forms; but neither did this get lasting results. However, it should turn out to be a new form of folk dance that was built in both Jewish and Arabic dance tradition became more popular with Jewish emigrants from Europe during the interwar period. Among those who introduced this dance form were Rivka Sturman, Gurit Kadman and Jardena Cohen.
In 1950, the country received its first professional dance theater, Inbal, which was initially based on the Yemenite Jews’ dance traditions, but which later also incorporated other forms of folkloric dance. The founder was dancer Sara Levi-Tanai, who led the ensemble until 1990. In the 1960s, the country gained two new companions, both first supported by the wealthy Betsabée de Rothschild: Batsheva Dance Company in 1964, which was originally based on Martha Graham technique , and Bat-Dor Dance Company in 1968. Both ensembles often tour overseas. In 1968, Israel also received a smaller, classical ballet ensemble, Israel Ballet. There are also several amateur and semi-professional dance groups.
Among the country’s most famous ballet schools are the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, The Bat-Dor Studios in Tel Aviv and The Center for Dance in Haifa. The Batsheva Company has created a Batsheva II, where young dancers and choreographers can try out, while ensuring continuity in the main company. The Israeli dance community has also been strengthened by many new dancers and choreographers from the former Soviet Union. But opposition from Orthodox Jewish teams, personal contradictions and financial austerity has left its mark on the environment.