Israeli Dancer Brings Expertise to ‘World’s Best’

“The World’s Best,” CBS’ new addition to the TV talent competition genre, hosted by James Corden, is global in its focus. The acts are international, and 50 experts from 30 countries join American judges Faith Hill, RuPaul and Drew Barrymore to determine the million-dollar winner. One of them is Kobi Rozenfeld, a dancer and choreographer from Israel.

Rozenfeld, 36, told the Journal he was drawn to the “unique concept, extraordinary acts and talent from around the globe. There’s so much politics and hate in the world,” he said, “and it’s great to see all of us coming together.” 

Rozenfeld started dancing in the sixth grade as part of a traveling dance company. He spent the summer performing at international dance festivals. Initially, he thought he’d go into law or politics, but his dance hobby became a passion. He studied ballet and jazz, and inspired by music videos, turned to contemporary dance. He performed with the Karmon Israeli Dancers and was a soloist for the Black Light Theater before becoming a backup dancer for Israeli pop stars including Shiri Maimon. 

Rozenfeld then moved on to dancing with pop stars Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Macy Gray and Natasha Bedingfield. He took part in a commercial with “Wonder Woman” actress Gal Gadot, and choreographed for Israel’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and a Barbie show for Mattel.

 “When I was 24, I decided to just leave everything behind, even though I’d started a really good career in Israel. I wanted to really dream big.” — Kobi Rozenfeld

“When I was 24, I decided to just leave everything behind, even though I’d started a really good career in Israel,” he said. “It wasn’t enough. I wanted to really dream big.” 

In Los Angeles, Rozenfeld joined the American-Israeli contemporary dance ensemble Keshet Chaim, where he is now lead choreographer. He said he found a creative home there, and a second family. “They’ve always kept me grounded, gave me this family that I really missed back home and that kept me mentally strong and helped me to succeed in this tough industry here,” Rozenfeld said. He attends synagogue on the High Holy Days with Keshet Chaim’s Artistic Director Eytan Avisar and calls Manager Genie Benson “my second mom.”

Born in Ness Ziona outside of Tel Aviv, Rozenfeld is the son of parents from traditional Jewish families, Moroccan on his mother’s side and Polish on his father’s. He enjoyed growing up with the traditions, food and love from both cultures but went to synagogue only for bar mitzvahs and weddings. “I was so caught up with work and trying to make it there,” he said. “Moving here got me more connected [to Judaism].”

Rozenfeld visits his family in Israel twice a year, often bringing his boyfriend Matt. He also hinted he may be involved with an upcoming Israeli TV show but can’t mention anything just yet. Meanwhile, he has a project with the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony coming up in March, which he said combines music and dance.

Living in America, he said, has definitely made him more of an Israeli partisan. “Moving away from the country, I realized how much ignorance there is in the world against Israel. I saw how much people don’t really know what’s going on over there and judging us by the news and by what other countries say. It made me even more connected to [Israel] and proud to defend it.”

“The World’s Best” airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS.

A correction has been made to this story. Rozenfeld is 36 years old not 40.