Beta Dance Troupe

Beta Dance Troupe (beta is an Amharic word meaning house) presents a unique program of traditional Ethiopian Jewish dance (mainly “eskesta” – shoulder dancing – an Ethiopian traditional dance) and original contemporary dance based on the culture of Ethiopian Jewry. Dr. Ruth Eshel and dancers went on a joint trip to uncover their community`s treasure of dance-movements, by focusing on their natural language of motion, imagery and history. 
 
Beta was established in 2005 by Dr. Ruth Eshel who ten years earlier created the Eskesta Dance Theater – composed of students of Ethiopian origin studying at the university of Haifa. The group is composed of 8-10 dancers living in the Haifa vicinity.
Beyond its artistic goals, Beta has a strong commitment to Neve Yoseph, a large, underprivileged community near Haifa populated by Jews from the Diaspora, with a sizable number of new and old immigrants of Ethiopian descent. Beta has established its home and school in Neve Yosef and is fostering young Ethiopian talent. 
 
The Beta Dance Troupe has appeared in both in Israel and abroad to enthusiastic reviews.