Gaga in Neot Smadar
summer retreat 2026
For the first time, a Gaga workshop in Neot Smadar – one of the most special places in the country. This year, Kibbutz Neot Smadar received international recognition in a competition by the UN Tourism Organization, which honors villages around the world that serve as a model of excellence in community-based tourism, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.
The Gaga workshop offers participants a framework to connect with their bodies and their imagination, to stretch the boundaries of the familiar, to improve physical and mental flexibility, and to surrender to the pleasure of movement – within the tranquil beauty of the magical desert landscape.
The workshop is intended for both experienced Gaga practitioners and new participants alike. The classes will be conducted in English with Hebrew incorporated. No prior experience in movement or dance is required.
The workshop will take place in the new and impressive hall built in the workshop complex, a space specially designed for dance.
On site you will find a wading pool overlooking the landscape, and you will be able to enjoy additional offerings such as a tour of the Arts Center and an introduction to community life, organic agriculture, wine tastings, as well as a guided stargazing evening under the beautiful desert sky.
Ahead of the workshop, a ridesharing list will be sent out for shared travel.
About the Workshop
The Gaga workshop in Israel has been taking place for over a decade and has become a true tradition. The workshops are led by Gaga teachers, most of whom are former dancers of the Batsheva Dance Company.
The workshop offers participants a framework to connect with their bodies and their imagination, to experience sensations and emotions, to improve flexibility, and to surrender to the pleasure of movement and inviting and nurturing environment, over the course of a long weekend.
The workshop is intended for both experienced Gaga practitioners and new participants alike. The classes are conducted in English with Hebrew incorporated, and no prior experience in movement or dance is required. Six Gaga classes will take place during the workshop.
Meals during the workshop are vegetarian, including vegan options, and are prepared by the Neot Semadar team using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Additional content offered in the workshop includes: a guided stargazing session at the Weizmann Institute amphitheater in the workshop complex on summer nights when the sky is especially clear; a tour of the Arts Center and an introduction to community life and organic agriculture in the kibbutz accompanied by wine tastings; a nature walk for early risers; an evening bonfire; as well as a wading pool overlooking the landscape for participants’ enjoyment.
For those arriving without a car – a ridesharing list will be sent out through which you can receive a ride with participants who have cars.
Neot Smadar
Kibbutz Neot Smadar received international recognition this year in the prestigious competition of the UN Tourism Organization, which honors villages around the world that serve as a model of excellence in community-based tourism, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.
The workshop takes place at the kibbutz’ד Neot Smadar Guest Center. The workshop complex is located adjacent to the kibbutz itself, in a secluded and quiet area overlooking the magnificent Edom Mountains. The drive from Tel Aviv is approximately three hours without stopping. The complex offers the tranquil beauty of the magical desert within beautiful, comfortable, air-conditioned ecological rooms, with lovingly tended garden corners that connect to the vast and powerful desert surrounding the site.
This year, a large and unique hall adapted for dance was built, where the Gaga classes will take place.
Kibbutz Neot Smadar – Located in the southern Negev above the Arava, Kibbutz Neot Smadar was founded in 1989 with the intention of creating a learning community in which questions about the human condition in the world would be explored in practice through relationships, action, and contemplation. Neot Semadar was established out of a fascinating journey of research and reflection, and it is examined daily through the shared life and joint work of members who live there permanently and volunteers.
The Teachers
Gaga teachers
Chen Agron studied at the Jerusalem Academy High School for Music and Dance and participated in the Excellence Program at Batsheva. She won third place in the Janet Ordman Competition in 2013. Chen studied at the Miami City Ballet School, Florida.
In 2016 she joined the Batsheva Ensemble and danced with SOL Dance Company. From 2020–2023 she joined the Batsheva Dance Company. She currently works as an independent dancer and Gaga teacher.
Sa’ar worked for many years as a dancer and choreographer and was the artistic director of the dance company LeeSaar The Company, which was founded in New York in 2011. He is the recipient of the Guggenheim Award for choreography, the New York Foundation for the Arts award, and the New York City Dance Award. He directed Gaga in the United States between 2012–2018, and during those years taught Gaga at universities and festivals across the U.S. He was appointed Artistic Director of Gaga in 2018.
‘Neot Smadar’ room selection
Accommodation prices include two nights at Neot Smadar, Gaga lessons, meals, production, additional content, and VAT. You can arrive the day before or stay an extra night for an additional NIS 500 per room (without meals, and based on availability).
Twin/Double Room:
for a couple or 2 participants
The accommodations are build with local mudand are air-conditioned. with a toilet and shower, kitchenette, coffee and tea corner and a small refrigerator, with 2 single beds, or a double bed. (The image is for demonstration purposes only)
Price per participant for the entire stay: 2,600 NIS
4-5 person in a pagoda house:
for 4-5 people
Ecological mud hut with a large balcony overlooking the desert and the Red Mountains. With air conditioning, shower, toilet, kitchenette, coffee and tea corner and small refrigerator and single beds.
Price per participant for 5 people in a room: 2,100 NIS
Price per participant for 4 people in a room: 2,300 NIS
Shared dormitory for 12 participants :
A large 100-meter air-conditioned hall for eight participants in mixed accommodation (women and men). With mattresses and bedding, sheets, blanket and towel, shared toilets and showers outside the hall.
Price per person: 1,800 NIS
Inspirational pictures
Register for the workshop at the bottom of the page
Payment and registration terms
To register for the workshop, click on the registration form and fill it out. If you have any comments or questions, you are welcome to write at the end of the form and we will get back to you with answers by email. After registering for the workshop, you will be sent an email with a payment link with the option of up to 3 interest-free installments. Your place will be held for 4 days until payment.
Cancelation policy
In the event of cancellation of the retreat due to security reasons by the production, the participant will be refunded immediately, less registration and cancellation fees of 150 NIS per participant or the option to participate on a new date in the event of a postponement.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation of participation up to a month before the retreat costs 200 NIS, up to two weeks before the retreat costs 500 NIS, up to a week before the retreat costs 900 NIS, cancellation of participation between a week and two days before the retreat costs half the amount. Two days before and until the start of the retreat costs the full amount.
In cases of personal or family emergencies due to the war until the start of the retreat, a full refund less the registration fee of 200 NIS, (at the discretion of the production)
Possibility of finding a participant in your place at any time
registration Form
Gaga workshop “Naot Smadar”
June 11-13th 2026
Please fill out the forms and an email with a link to a payment page will be sent to you shortly (according to your room selection). Please note that this form does not guarantee your reservation. Reservations will be finalized upon completion of the payment. Thank you.