Amira Teomi

AAmira Taomi was appointed Executive Director of the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company (KCDC) in 2011, at a time of significant operational and financial crisis that threatened the company’s continued existence. In close collaboration with Artistic Director and choreographer Rami Be’er, she led a comprehensive reform that transformed the company into one of Israel’s leading and most successful cultural institutions.

Upon assuming her role, Taomi initiated a strategic restructuring process that included turning the company—originally operating under the Kibbutz Movement—into an autonomous nonprofit organization. Her leadership ushered in a new era, marked by a robust economic model, strengthened international ties, and expanded activity at the International Dance Village in Kibbutz Ga’aton. These developments created a new and dynamic reality.

Together with Rami Be’er, Amira demonstrated that even cultural institutions located far from Israel’s urban centers can break the boundaries of periphery through artistic excellence and singular creative identity.

Under their leadership, the company expanded its educational programs for both professional and non-professional dancers, opened its doors to students and artists from around the world, and cultivated the International Dance Village as a global hub for dance. Simultaneously, Taomi developed a cultural tourism framework that includes guided tours, performances at KCDC’s home theater, movement workshops for private groups, businesses, and organizations, and special programs in the Western Galilee region.

One of her primary goals was to restore the company’s international touring schedule, which had declined in the years preceding her appointment. Since then, KCDC has been invited to perform at major opera houses, dance festivals, and cultural centers across the globe, including in Australia, India, China, South Korea, South America, Russia, the United States, and throughout Europe. Beyond touring, Taomi actively cultivates long-term collaborations, bringing hundreds of dancers from across the globe to the International Dance Village each year.

With boldness, creativity, and a rare synergy, Amira Taomi and Rami Be’er have turned the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and the International Dance Village into a powerful force, making an immense contribution to Israeli culture. Strategic decisions, goal setting, and artistic vision are all shaped through ongoing dialogue and meaningful partnership.

This unique collaboration has fostered a dynamic and supportive environment, home to a devoted, professional, and creative team—transforming KCDC into a place where dreams take shape.

Amira Taomi was born in Tel Aviv to Hava, an educator, and Oded Teomi, a renowned actor of Hebrew theater. After completing a year at Beit Zvi School of Performing Arts, she decided to pursue a path behind the scenes, working as a dramaturge and acting coach.

She holds a law degree with honors from Tel Aviv University, specializing in intellectual property and production rights, and later earned an MBA with distinction. Her professional journey includes key leadership positions in prominent Israeli cultural institutions such as Educational Television, Herzliya Studios, Tel Aviv Cinematheque, Theatronetto Festival, Israel Festival, Arad Festival, and the Israeli Opera. She also served as CEO of the Steinberg Performing Arts Center in Holon and the Ashkelon Cultural Hall.

In parallel with her work at KCDC, Amira is an active member of the board of directors of the Forum of Cultural Institutions in Israel, advocating for the welfare of the country’s cultural organizations and advancing Israeli culture. She is also a member of the Israeli Women CEOs Forum.