Check Out Aviv Keren’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aviv Keren.

Hi Aviv, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Aviv Keren, and I was born and raised in a small city in northern Israel.
From age 9 to 11, I trained and competed in Latin ballroom dance, but eventually stopped due to discouraging reactions from those around me. At 13, I returned to dance—this time exploring hip hop at Studio Vspot—and I’ve never stopped since.

At 18, after finishing high school, I moved to Tel Aviv to follow my dream of becoming a full-time professional dancer. Along with the move, I began a year of national volunteer service. I spent four months working with an organization supporting individuals with high-functioning autism, and another four months at a rehabilitation hospital for patients recovering from complex surgeries.

About eight months into the program, I was offered a major opportunity in dance, which conflicted with the remainder of my volunteer service. I was faced with an ultimatum—continue volunteering, or take the job.
I chose work, and never looked back.

Now, years later, I can confidently say it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Since then, I’ve worked with Israel’s top artists and been part of the country’s biggest and most-watched productions. I’ve traveled the world, trained internationally, and fulfilled dreams I never imagined could become reality.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been quite a complex one. On the one hand, as a teenager, I was mentored by some of Israel’s top dancers and teachers—many of whom later became choreographers and started hiring me for professional work as early as age 16. In that sense, I consider myself very lucky. I entered the industry at a young age, and now, ten years later, I can proudly say I’ve done it all—from children’s productions and television to commercials and performing on the biggest stages in Israel.

I believe the real challenges begin after you’ve entered the professional world.
Long rehearsal days, intense technical rehearsals under the scorching sun, 16+ hour shoot days—and through it all, you’re expected to remain professional, pleasant, and focused.
People often don’t realize just how demanding dance truly is.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In addition to being a professional dancer, I’m also a dance teacher and choreographer, primarily for competitive dance teams. I grew up training at a studio that strongly encouraged us to find our own voice, our own style, and our unique identity.
We had a strong weekly curriculum that included technique and freestyle classes, and we were given many opportunities to learn how to create and teach in a professional way.

At the age of 16, the studio owner, Sonia, took a chance on me and gave me regular weekly classes in two out of the studio’s three branches. That’s how I first stepped into the world of teaching and choreography.

Since then, I’ve continued working as a dance teacher and developed a distinct creative style—from the way I approach movement, to how I structure and lead my classes.
Today, I’m considered one of the more recognized dance instructors in Israel. I’ve taught at every major studio in the country, led workshops and seminars, and frequently teach open classes at Bestreet—the largest and most successful hip hop dance studio in Israel.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’d like to take a moment to thank my parents—not only for always being there for me, but for their unconditional support and for always showing up, no matter how challenging, expensive, or far my path took me.
I used to hear stories about how my mother always dreamed of becoming a drummer, but her family couldn’t afford drum lessons or even a drum set, so she had to give up on that dream. But when she saw my passion for dance, She made sure I’d never have to give up my dream for financial reasons, and as long as I want to pursue dance, she’ll support me.

From flights abroad and paying for my classes to helping with my rent and bills when I needed the help, my parents supported and stood by me every step of the way.
When I moved to Tel Aviv, far from home, and during the times I traveled abroad for months to train and study, even on the days we barely had time to speak—when I was running from rehearsals to teaching, then from teaching to technical rehearsals at stadiums that ended at 2 a.m., only to wake up and do it all again the next day—they were always my anchor and my safe place.

I love them with all my heart and know that I am where I am today thanks to them.
I couldn’t have asked for better parents, and I can’t wait for the day I get to give back even a small part of all the good they’ve given me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avivker?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aviv.keren.18/

Image Credits
headshots by Lee Gumbs
the rest unknown