Sarah Levy-Tanai

(1911 - 1975)

Sarah Levy-Tanai was born in Jerusalem to Yemenite parents. Orphaned at a young age, she grew up in institutions and trained to be a kindergarten teacher. Her work with children extended to performing in children's theater and composing children's verse. She also composed well-known songs, including “Kol Dodi” (My Love’s Voice) and “El Ginot Egoz” (To the Nut Tree Groves).

In 1949, Levy-Tanai founded the Inbal Dance Troupe which was primarily Yemenite in choreography and in style. Inbal was highly successful as a performing group, and attracted the attention of many choreographers, including Jerome Robbins. Levy-Tanai received many prizes for her work with Inbal, as well as the Israel Prize in 1973 for her contribution to dance in Israel.

Sources: The Pedagogic Center, The Department for Jewish Zionist Education, The Jewish Agency for Israel, (c) 1992-2006, Director: Dr. Motti Friedman, Webmaster: Esther Carciente.