Born in Israel, Ohad Naharin began his training as a dancer with Batsheva and continued his studies at Juliard. His choreographic debut in 1980 was greeted with both critical and popular acclaim. In 1990, Naharin accepted the invitation of Batsheva Dance Company, as artistic director for five months. There he staged some of his former works for the Company and created Kyr, commissioned for the closing event of the Israel Festival, Jerusalem. In June 1990 he was appointed Artistic Director of Batsheva Dance Company. He has given the company a distinct and daring artistic quality and led it to international fame.