As prima ballerina and choreographer of the Batsheva dance company, she was described by The New York Times as "one of the most important artists of our generation.

"[1] Born in Tel Aviv in 1938, Schenfeld began studying classical ballet at the age of 12.

[2] She danced in Israel with the Lyric Theater of Anna Sokolow, and in the United States, where she worked with Graham and other leading choreographers.

Schenfeld led the corps to worldwide fame, with works by renowned international choreographers as well as her own creations.

She taught a generation of Israeli dancers, and created an eclectic style that incorporated elements of dance theater, Bauhaus, modern and classical.