Born in 1952 on Kibutz Mizra, Naharin begins his career with the world-famous, Batsheva Dance Company. He is discovered by American Dance Maven, Martha Graham, who brings him to New York to study at Juilliard and dance with her NYC-based Company. Returning to Batsheva as its artistic director in 1990, he has won numerous awards, including the Israel prize in 2005. His influence and prestige helps bring elite, Israeli dance to a level of sophistication and excellence met only by the highest ranked dance companies in the world.