Elad Schechter

Elad Schechter is a visionary dancer, choreographer, curator, and cultural entrepreneur. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Management in Arts Innovation from the Global Leaders Institute and served on the Jerusalem Cultural Institutions committee from 2019 to 2024. A graduate of the Jerusalem High School for the Arts, Schechter served in the IDF Theater department and danced in esteemed companies such as Senedance NYC, the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Charleroi Danses in Brussels, Vertigo, and more…

Since 2009, he has created dozens of dance pieces performed in over 20 countries, receiving exceptional acclaim. In 2011, he was awarded the silver medal at the International Choreography Competition in Beijing.

Under Schechter’s artistic direction, c.a.t.a.m.o.n Dance Group has become a central figure in both the local and international cultural landscapes. The group creates artistic dialogue among diverse audiences, highlighting Jerusalem’s unique character in all its diversity. Schechter resides in the Musrara neighborhood in Jerusalem, co-parents his two children with a female couple, and integrates his artistic work with social and community engagement in the city. He is a 2023 Global Fellow of ISPA, a member of the ROI community of the Schusterman Foundation, a member of the Jerusalem Model community of the Leichtag Family Foundation, a recipient of the Peleh residency in Berkeley, California (summer 2023), and a member of the EU’s Festival Academy community since 2019.

Selected Projects:

‘From Jaffa to Agripas’ Festival (since 2014) – A contemporary dance festival held in alternative spaces throughout Jerusalem, connecting artists, business owners, and diverse audiences in captivating and unique artistic experiences.

Alliance House (2016-2022) – A project Schechter led with the “New Spirit” association, creating a vibrant artist residency in a historic building in central Jerusalem that became a cultural hub until its closure in 2022.

‘Interstices’ Program (since 2016) – An artist exchange between Montreal and Jerusalem, fostering cultural dialogue through dance.

‘Room Service’ Festival (since 2022) – An annual festival combining dance and instrumental music, offering intimate artistic experiences in hotel venues throughout Jerusalem.

In 2024, Schechter founded, initiated, and led the International Choreographers Retreat in collaboration with Montreal Danses – a week of research and exploration into the art of choreography, bringing together 26 choreographers from around the world.