Israeli Dance Icon Yair Vardi Dies at 76, Leaves Epic Legacy

Yair Vardi, a towering figure in Israeli dance, passed away today at age 76 at Ichilov Medical Center following a battle with cancer.

Vardi played a pivotal role in influencing and creating Israel’s cultural landscape, most notably as director of the Suzanne Dellal Centre since its founding in 1989. Earlier in his career, Vardi performed as a professional dancer with the renowned Batsheva Dance Company, sharing the stage with international star Rudolf Nureyev and collaborating with luminaries such as Martha Graham and Jerome Robbins. He also taught at prestigious institutions, including Scapino Ballet, Rambert Ballet, and Bat-Dor Dance Company.

Transitioning to cultural management, Vardi took on a leadership role at the Newcastle Dance Theatre in England, where he established a dance center. Upon returning to Israel, he assumed leadership of the Suzanne Dellal Centre.

His contributions were widely recognized: the Centre received the Israel Prize for Dance in 2010, and Vardi was awarded the 2009 EMET Prize for Culture. He also served as an artistic consultant for the Karmiel Festival and the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center, managed the Jerusalem Dance Faculty, and advised numerous cultural and dance initiatives.

Vardi retired from his role at Suzanne Dellal in 2020 after three decades of leadership. The Centre hailed him as its “beating heart,” crediting him with revolutionizing Israeli dance through his unwavering commitment, creative vision, and deep dedication to dancers, choreographers, and audiences. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and has elevated the Centre to a prominent international cultural hub.

May his memory be a blessing.