Every Friday, Jspace News partners with the America Israel Cultural Foundation to bring you an interview with one of the many Israeli artists they support throughout the world.

Multi-talented dancer and actor Amir Levy enjoys an active career across stage and screen. Levy was born in Be'er Sheva and studied at the Bat-Dor Studios of Dance. He danced with their company in Tel Aviv, where he performed the works of Lar Lubovitch, Paul Taylor, Ed Wubbe, Hans van Manen, Nils Christie, Alvin Ailey, Judith Jamison and Martha Graham. Amir later danced with Ballet Hispanico of New York, where he worked with Graciela Daniele, Ramon Oller and Alberto Alonso.

His film and television credits include roles on “Louis," “Guinness Scotch," “Who I Am," “Exposure," “Paxil," “Marjorie,” “Matters of the Heart," “Stay Connected," “Sex and the City," “A Price Above Rubies," and “The Peacemaker.” Levy’s theater appearances include playing Sloucho and Mario in “Evita,” The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Victor/Victoria, and many others. Currently, Levy serves as Dance Captain at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center.

AICF: What or who inspired you to want to be an artist?

Amir Levy: My mother Osnat Levy, a renowned Israeli ballet teacher, and a former AICF recipient herself, had a lot to do with it. When you grow up in a house filled with dance, you’re bound to get hooked. Not that she pushed me into it if you asked her, on the contrary, she sure warned me about the tough road ahead when one chooses dance as a profession, but the genes that we share and the great love she has for dance sure were an inspiration.

What was your creative journey that has brought you to where you are in your career today?

I went to a great dance school and had some of the best teachers in Israel, who gave us all the training we needed to make it, and made it possible to venture into different companies in Israel and around the world. The tools and experience were there to go explore and enjoy different aspects of the performing arts. Those led me to the different companies I worked with and still at today.

What do you need as an artist today?

A day off…

What creative project are you working on now?

My season at The Metropolitan Opera consists of many different productions. I’m in rehearsals these days for “Carmen,” “Turandot,” “Otello” as well as for new productions coming to the Met this season like “Parsifal” and “Un Ballo in Maschera.” I recently wrapped shooting the music video for the hit single “Primadonna Girl” by Marina and the Diamonds (which was a hoot!) and a commercial for Lake Michigan Credit Union.

Where do you see yourself and your career in 10 years?

I see myself in an arts management position with an emphasis in the supervision of performers and production maintenance, as well as continuing my on-camera work.

What does it mean to you to be an Israeli artist?

Israeli art and artists are recognized and valued for their strong training, talent and dedication around the world. It’s nice to be coming out of that batch.

What does it mean to you to have an organization like AICF available in the art world?

AICF is extremely important to insure that quality Israeli artists continue to emerge out of our little state. Without AICF many talented students will not have access to the wonderful schools Israel has to offer. Teachers would have fewer opportunities to travel overseas to further improve their training techniques.

.ORG-Connection: The America-Israel Cultural Foundation supports artistic life in Israel. By encouraging Israeli artists and supporting institutions and programs, AICF makes a vital contribution to the cultural foundation of Israel and strengthens her relationship with America. To stay up to date with the AICF and all its events, check out its page on Jspace.