About Us

“Empowering Movement, Enriching Culture”

House of Dance, Be’er-Sheva, is a non-profit organization located in the Old City of Be’er Sheva. Our work focuses on the performing arts, which we believe are a vital force for cultural enrichment, healing, and personal expression. 

Our center serves as a hub for creativity, therapy, innovation, and community engagement. Through the universal language of the performing arts, we aim to bridge diverse cultures and inspire a renaissance of artistic exploration and cultural dialogue.

Our mission is multifaceted, reflecting the nature of our organization:

1. To Present and Promote the Performing Arts: We are committed to showcasing a wide spectrum performing arts, from dance to digital art and everything in between. The performances at the House of Dance feature Israel’s top talents and many international creators.
2. To Nurture Talent and Creativity: The House of Dance is a nurturing ground for dancers, choreographers, and artists. We are dedicated to the discovery and development of new talents, providing them with the support and platform they need to flourish. Our workshops, master classes, and residency programs are designed to foster artistic growth and innovation.
3. To Help Heal: Our dance therapy sessions provide a compassionate, creative space for those suffering from PTSD, particularly IDF veterans and others who have courageously served our country. Recognizing the deep, often invisible wounds that trauma leaves, we have tailored a unique, therapeutic approach using movement and dance to foster healing and self-expression. These sessions go beyond traditional therapy, offering participants a safe environment to reconnect with their bodies, release stored tension, and process painful experiences in ways that words alone cannot reach. . 
4. To Cultivate Community and Accessibility: We believe in the power of dance and art to unite communities and make cultural experiences accessible to all. Through our educational initiatives and outreach programs, we engage diverse audiences, making art an inclusive and enriching experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
5. To Serve as a Cultural Beacon: As a center of cultural renaissance, we are committed to being a beacon of artistic excellence, creativity, and cultural expression. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including our performance hall, studio, and outdoor spaces, are designed to inspire and accommodate the creative exploration of the performing arts.
6. To Foster International Collaboration and Exchange: We aim to be a platform for international cultural exchange, attracting artists and audiences from around the globe. Through collaborations, festivals, and co-productions, we enrich the global dance community and to foster dialogue and partnership across borders.
7. To Contribute to Local Cultural and Economic Development: Positioned in the historic and cultural heart of Be’er-Sheva, the House of Dance plays a key role in the Old City’s cultural and economic revival. We are committed to stimulating local development, enhancing tourism, and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Be’er-Sheva and the wider Negev region.
8. To Champion Artistic Excellence and Innovation: At the core of our mission is the pursuit of artistic excellence and innovation. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of dance and performing arts, creating a dynamic and evolving artistic environment that reflects the contemporary spirit of Israel and the broader global community.

In essence, the House of Dance, Be’er-Sheva, embodies the spirit of renewal, creativity, and community. We are more than just a venue for the performing arts; we are a living, breathing center of cultural renaissance, dedicated to enriching lives through the transformative power of dance and the performing arts.

Our Origin Story

The House of Dance has its roots in the “Paula” Dance Company, a pioneering ensemble of around 20 dedicated dancers from southern Israel, primarily based in Be’er Sheva. This vibrant company was initiated by Rivka Carmi, the former President of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, who provided essential support and a welcoming space for rehearsals, allowing the group to flourish and enrich the performing arts scene in the region for nearly a decade. Recognizing the cultural impact of dance and its potential to bring the community together, Be’er Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovich, in collaboration with the Be’er Sheva Municipality, embraced Rivka Carmi’s vision to create a permanent home for the arts. Together, they established the House of Dance—a dedicated center in Be’er Sheva where creativity, community, and interdisciplinary expression can thrive, and where the performing arts continue to inspire and unite people from all walks of life.