The Israel Festival is an annual cultural festival which takes place, mainly in Jerusalem, in the early summer. Featuring a vast and ranging selection of events, from jazz to classical music, dance to drama and fusions, it is a celebrated festival which draws both artists and fans from around the world as well as some of Israel’s leading performers. As well as the main events, the Israel Festival includes a host of free performances including street theater and events for kids. In 2012, the Israel Festival will take place between May 23 and June 14.

Kookia Ensemble presents “Belly Sensation”: A Colorful and exciting dance theatre production. A story of a woman torn between social expectations and the need to fulfill her own free will. A fascinating journey of power, madness, laughter and sensation. The event takes place at the Arab-Hebrew Theater in Jaffa on February 15, 2012.

FuerzaBruta, the amazing dance show sensation will be in Tel Aviv, Israel for a month of shows in February 2012. FuerzaBruta has been a huge success around the world, including in cultural capitals such as London and New York, and is making its first visit to the Middle East for its shows in Tel Aviv. Somewhat unique, FuerzaBruta fuses incredible dance and theater to create a show like no other. It will be in Tel Aviv between February 17-22, 2012 and will be performing at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Grounds.

The Florentin Circus, one of Israel’s premier circus acts, will be performing in Tel Aviv in February and March, 2012. The circus is a modern circus meaning it features no animal performances, which combines dance, theater, and street performance. The Florentin Circus performs at Kfar Hayarok in north Tel Aviv where it has two tents in which it performs. The circus will be giving performances throughout February and March, 2012.

Internationally renowned circus, Cirque du Soleil will be coming to Tel Aviv, Israel, in August 2012 for their first ever performances in the country. Performing their show, Alegria, the group will bring their amazing magical acrobatics to Tel Aviv, with a cast of 55 artists. The circus will take over the Nokia Arena in the city during August and is going to be an amazing experience for anyone who watches. Tickets will be on sale for shows in the afternoon and evening.

The Curtain up is an annual Israeli dance event hosted each year by the Suzanne Dellal Center in Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv. The festival is a celebration of contemporary Israeli choreography showcasing diverse works, particularly by emerging Israelis. The festival takes place over the course of ten days during November, and includes three programs (curtains) of dance each under the auspices of a different dance director. The 2011, Curtain up Dance Festival will take place between November 3-12.

A three night dance extravaganza near the southern city of Eilat, in the Negev Desert, is the Phaza Morgana Dance Event which is taking place September 22-24, 2011. Each of the three nights of the festival will be three different desert night experiences ranging from the Bat Sheva Dance Ensemble, to modern Israeli music sensation Idan Raichel. The event takes place at the foot of ‘Solomon’s Pillars’ in the Timna National Park about 25km north of Eilat.

The Karmiel Dance Festival hosts about 5,000 dancers from Israel and abroad who take part in about 80 events and performances. 2011 marks the 10th Karmiel Dance Festival in which Karmiel, this city in the upper Galilee located between Acco and Safed transforms into a center for international dance. The festival contains general activities, a bazaar and is expected to attract over 300,000 visitors and guests. A folk-dancing course in English is planned to run from July 4-15.