Not Just a Hobby: How Dance Became a Powerful Career Path for Haredi Women
In the busy daily routine of Haredi and religious women and girls, between studies, building a home, raising children and work that can sometimes be exhausting, many are looking for one moment of inner connection, release and empowerment. Especially in the challenging and stressful times we are all experiencing now, dance is emerging as a truly holistic tool from God. A few years ago this could still have been called a "quiet revolution," but today this revolution is being heard clearly across the sector. Graduates of the "Baila" program have become the spearhead of the movement and culture world over the past decade. They are already in leadership roles, as cultural managers, community managers and producers of large-scale events. The wide age range in the program, from young girls before marriage who come to develop and learn, to mothers and women of golden years, shows that dance belongs to everyone.
At the center of this work stands Dr. Keren Benin, a mentor and head of the Wingate department for developing programs for women in the sectors of sports, dance and Jewish consciousness. Looking closely at the program reveals an intriguing figure, about half of the women and girls who come to study at "Baila" do so first and foremost to undergo a process of personal development. They come to shake off rust, recharge with new energy, loosen the body and the spirit and undergo a real "full service" treatment. This personal development process, of simply "to rejoice and blossom," is immense. The other half arrive from the outset with a clear goal, to take the hobby and turn it into a profession. But the great wonder is that even those girls who came "only" for the personal development process ultimately find themselves choosing to capture their light and project it outward, and continue to guide and teach other women, even if it is only once a week.
Unlike regular degree studies, which usually require a full career change, leaving a job and intensive studies three days a week from morning until night, the uniqueness of "Baila" is its perfect integration with real life. The classes are concentrated on just one day a week. That means every woman can keep her routine, if she is a teacher, she can continue teaching, and if she is a lawyer, she can continue working. The program is designed to fit into life, not replace it, and to provide an additional source of personal satisfaction and stable income. In addition, for girls and women who live abroad or cannot physically come to Wingate, a unique hybrid track has been established that allows remote learning.
"I have no words," says one graduate, מתוך more than 2,000 graduates in Israel and around the world. "My experience from the studies is spiritual, physical and emotional... You taught me how to conduct, in a proper and organized way, an inspiring and joyful class that I am sure will delight everyone I teach in the future."
Your chance to experience it for yourself, once a year, on Tuesday, 15 Tammuz, 30.6.2026, starting at 4:00 p.m., the annual open day will be held at the Levisky-Wingate Academic Center, Netanya campus. On that day, you will feel, try and experience something that is very difficult to explain in words. Beyond a hands-on workshop combining five dance styles and an engaging lecture, participants will receive a great deal of value, practical tools and benefits for the road ahead, and will also hear in detail about the hybrid track. It is important to know that this is an event that takes place once a year, and only on that day, special scholarships and exclusive enrollment benefits will be offered.
