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Hofesh Shechter

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Hofesh Shechter BIO

Hofesh Shechter is an Israeli-born choreographer, dancer, and composer who has made a significant impact on the contemporary dance world. He is known for his unique style that blends contemporary dance with elements of traditional Israeli folk dance, as well as his original music compositions that often accompany his performances.

Shechter was born in Jerusalem in 1975 and began his dance training at a young age. He later moved to Tel Aviv to study at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, where he developed his skills as a dancer and musician. After graduating, he joined the Batsheva Dance Company, one of Israel's most renowned dance companies, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a principal dancer.

In 2003, Shechter moved to London to pursue his career as a choreographer and formed his own dance company, the Hofesh Shechter Company. He quickly gained recognition for his unique style and was commissioned to create works for some of the world's most prestigious dance companies, including the Royal Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Shechter's choreography is known for its raw energy, intense physicality, and use of repetition. His works often explore themes of violence, power, and humanity's darker impulses. Some of his most notable works include "Uprising," which features a group of dancers moving in unison to a pulsing beat, and "Political Mother," a large-scale work that incorporates live music and explores themes of political oppression.

In addition to his work as a choreographer, Shechter is also an accomplished composer. He often creates original music to accompany his dance works, and his music has been featured in films, television shows, and commercials. Some of his most notable music compositions include the score for the film "Disobedience" and the music for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

Shechter's work has earned him numerous awards and accolades. In 2008, he was named a "Rising Star" by The Observer, and in 2009, he was awarded the Critics' Circle National Dance Award for Best Choreography. He has also been awarded the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production twice, for "Political Mother" in 2010 and "Sun" in 2019.

Most recently, Shechter premiered his latest work, "Double Murder," at the Brighton Festival in May 2021. The piece explores themes of violence and power and features a cast of eight dancers performing to a live score composed by Shechter. The work received critical acclaim, with The Guardian calling it "a thrilling, visceral experience."

Hofesh Shechter's unique style and innovative approach to dance have made him one of the most sought-after choreographers working today. His work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary dance and inspire audiences around the world.

Hofesh Shechter Productions

 
[US Tour, 2019]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Choreographer

Hofesh Shechter Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best New Dance Production

Hofesh ShechterGrand Finale

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Choreography

Hofesh Shechter, Fiddler on the Roof

Hofesh Shechter Videos

Hofesh Shechter News


Gauthier Dance Performs SWAM LAKES and MINUS 16 in May


Danse Danse will welcome the 16 dancers of the Stuttgart company, in a program imagined by Éric Gauthier, from May 1 to 4, 2024, at Place des Arts' Théâtre Maisonneuve.

Dates Set For OEDIPUS at the Old Vic, Starring Rami Malek


Dates have been confirmed for Oedipus, starring Rami Malek which will run at The Old Vic in 2025.  Learn more about the production here including the full cast, and how to get tickets!

SHECHTER/ WELLENKAMP/NAHARIN Comes to Bilheteira Teatro Camões in May


Para o último programa da temporada, juntamos três nomes maiores da dança contemporânea: Hofesh Shechter, Vasco Wellenkamp e Ohad Naharin.

Nua Dance Brings NOISE to University Theatre, Bath Spa Live and Exeter Phoenix This Spring


Nua Dance will present its immersive promenade performance NOISE at University Theatre, Bath Spa (25 April) and Exeter Phoenix (30 April) this spring.

Akram Khan Returns to Sadler's Wells With GIGENIS


World-renowned choreographer and dancer Akram Khan will return to his roots and delve into his past in his latest creation: GIGENIS: The generation of the Earth as part of Sadler’s Wells autumn season.

Canadian Premiere of SWAN LAKES + MINUS 16 Comes to Harbourfront Centre Next Month


Harbourfront Centre will present the Canadian premiere of Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart’s mixed program, Swan Lakes + Minus 16, on stage April 18–20, 2024, at 7:30pm at Fleck Dance Theatre.

Martha Graham Dance Company To Present Spring 2024 New York Season At City Center This April


Experience the MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY at their Spring 2024 New York Season at City Center from April 17-20.

Sadler's Wells Reveals Seven New Associate Artists


Sadler's Wells has announced the appointment of seven new Associate Artists, who represent a wide range of dance styles and are among the most exciting talent working in dance today. 

FOR ENGLAND WITH LOVE Will Embark on UK Tour and Make UK Premiere This Year


Hofesh Shechter Company has announced the full UK tour dates for From England with Love, the compelling new work from the renowned choreographer performed by his prestigious company, Shechter II.

Olivia Ansell Named Artistic Director of Luminato Festival Toronto


Luminato Festival Toronto announces Olivia Ansell as the new Artistic Director. Ansell, an accomplished arts curator, will present her inaugural festival program in June 2025.

Indira Varma and Rami Malek to Star in OEDIPUS in London in 2025


The Old Vic has announced the world premiere of Ella Hickson’s Oedipus, starring Academy Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time To Die) and Olivier Award winner Indira Varma (Present Laughter, Game of Thrones).

Martha Graham Dance Company To Present Spring 2024 New York Season At City Center, April 17-20


The Martha Graham Dance Company presents their Spring 2024 New York Season, featuring Graham masterworks, a new 'Rodeo,' and a New York premiere by Jamar Roberts. Don't miss this celebration of American legacies at New York City Center from April 17-20, 2024.

Los Angeles-Based Contemporary Dance Company BODYTRAFFIC To Perform At Queens Theatre


BODYTRAFFIC, a Los Angeles-based contemporary dance company, will be performing at Queens Theatre from January 13-14, 2023. Led by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, the company will showcase four expressive pieces that captivate audiences with their extraordinary dancers and diverse choreography.

Hofesh Shechter Company Reveals 2024 Cohort For The Shechter II Company Performing FROM ENGLAND WITH LOVE


Hofesh Shechter Company has announced the eight dancers selected to join the prestigious company Shechter II. The selected dancers represent the very best of the next generation of contemporary dance artists and will be performing in Hofesh Shechter's compelling new work, From England with Love.

VIDEO: Watch The Royal Ballet Celebrate The Legacy of Nijinska with Extended Insight


The Royal Ballet has released the full video from an extended Insight to celebrate the innovative creative genius of Bronislava Nijinska. In an afternoon of illustrated talks, panel discussion, and rehearsals, this event examined the powerful legacy of a choreographer much neglected in the history of 20th-century dance. Watch the video here!

The Royal Ballet to Perform at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival for the First Time in 2024


The Royal Ballet of the United Kingdom, will appear at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival for the first time, as the company's sole stop in the United States in 2024.

Kate Sumpter's One-Woman Show SPIN Makes London Premiere in January


3 hearts canvas, the producers of hit show Smoke at Southwark Playhouse, bring their one-woman show, SPIN, to the Arcola Theatre in January, following an acclaimed and sell-out run in Edinburgh this summer.

Martha Graham Dance Company to Host Open Rehearsal for ERRAND INTO THE MAZE and CAVE Next Month


The Martha Graham Dance Company will present an open rehearsal of 'Errand into the Maze' and 'CAVE' on October 9, 2023. Get event and ticket information here!

Harbourfront Centre Launches 2023/24 Torque Season with Canadian Premiere of Fouad Boussouf's NASS


Torque, Harbourfront Centre’s esteemed international contemporary dance series, celebrates the launch of its fifth season with an electrifying line-up of international and Canadian choreographers. Learn more about the upcoming performance and how to get tickets here!

Istanbul Theatre Festival Reveals Programme For 27th Edition


Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) and supported by Koç Holding Energy Group Companies Aygaz, Entek, Opet, and Tüpraş, the 27th Istanbul Theatre Festival opens its curtains on 25 October with a packed programme.

Hofesh Shechter FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Hofesh Shechter been nominated for?

Hofesh Shechter has been nominated for Best New Dance Production at the Olivier Awards for "Grand Finale" and for Best Choreography at the Tony Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof."

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