I'm Dafi Altabeb. I'm an Israeli independent choreographer, creating dance for the last 20 years.The driving force behind my work has always been internal: emotional, personal.
What begins as something deeply personal often becomes universal. My latest creation, 'And We Seemingly Moved Within Our Own', grew out of a moment of instability. When everything around me felt uncertain, I discovered a strong need to hold on: to my family, to my community, to the sense of togetherness that gives us strength.
This protective circle immediately brought back the image of folk dancing, something from my youth that has never really left my body. As a teenager, I spent years in a folk dance troupe, performing across Israel and abroad. Whether I wanted it or not, traces of that language always found their way into my choreography. For the first time, I felt an urge to face it directly, to return to my roots, and to let my history speak through me.
We began by researching and practicing not only Israeli folk dance but also other traditions from this region such as Dabke and Druze dance. We spent weeks transforming those familiar steps into something that felt ours, clearly contemporary yet connected to a shared past as well.
In May 2025, we presented a 20-minute version of this work-in-progress. Now, together with my team of five dancers, rehearsal director, artistic advisor, musician, costume designer, producer, lighting designer, and stage manager, we are preparing to develop it into a full-length evening. In January 2026, we will gather for a six-week rehearsal process leading to the premiere in February, and I'm so excited for it.
Despite the uncertainty we’re all facing - economically, culturally, and beyond - I feel a surge of creativity. I cannot stop creating. This work needs time, space, and resources to grow.
This is my first crowdfunding campaign. It’s not easy to open myself and ask for support, but I have to expand the circle. I hope you’ll join me in holding this circle together: supporting creation, supporting community, and helping this work reach its full life on stage.
Your support will directly fund the production of this premiere including support for: A 6-week local intensive rehearsal period - five dancers working, five days a week, five hours a day; fees for collaborators; theater and production costs; rehearsal direction, stage management, costume design and creation. But not only that… I want you to be a part of this journey. I invite you to join us as we create this work, a lifeline for the artists and audiences who will participate, perform, think, and feel.
As a supporter of this project you will be invited to take part in the process (if you want). There will be opportunities to join rehearsals (physically or digitally), to engage in discussion with me and the artists, and to offer reflection as the work is built.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
