Ehud Ben-David (1933-1976)
Born in Israel. After graduating from the Wingate Institute for Physical Education, he danced in the Karmon folk dancing company, and in 1958 began experiencing modern dance as a student in Rina Shaham’s studio and dancer in her company. He also danced in Bimat Mahol (Dance Stage) with Rena Gluck, in Anna Sokolow’s Lyrical Dance Company and Giora Godik’s musical theater productions.
In 1963, Ben-David joined Batsheva together with other dancers from the Lyric Theater, including Ruth Lerman and Galia Gat, as part of the company’s first founding members. He danced in many of the company’s performances, including Daughters of the Garden, Luna Park / An Excursion, Celebrants, Fun & Fancy, The Learning Process, The Pass (1964); The Mythical Hunters, Tent of Visions, Sargasso, Nocturne, Saraband, Diversion of Angels, Embattled Garden (1965); Psalms, Side Show, Sport (1966); The Act, Voices of Fire, Shore Bound (1967); 1-2-3, To Know No Shadow (Icarus), The Road of the Phoebe Snow, Come and Get the Beauty of It while It’s Hot (1968); Sin Lieth at the Door, Moves, La Malinche (1969); Percussion Concerto, Voices from a Far Place (1970); Ami-Yam Ami-Ya’ar (Song of My People – Forest People), Caprichos (1971); Moon Full (1972); Dome of Heaven, Poem (1973); Dream, Eclipse (1974); The Burning Ground, Trek (1975).Ben-David was married to Linda Hodes, a dancer and rehearsal manager who arrived in Israel with Martha Graham.
He was a member of Batsheva until 1976 and considered one of its charismatic dancers. He received the Golden Star Medal in Paris in 1971, taught in various places in Israel and choreographed several pieces, including By Order of Creon for Batsheva in 1966.
In 1976, Ehud Ben-David died in a car accident.