Nikova, Rina

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NIKOVA, RINA

NIKOVA, RINA (1898–1972), Israeli dancer and choreographer, who originated a style for the interpretation of biblical subjects in dance. Born in Russia, trained in Moscow, Nikova made her first appearance in Berlin. In 1925 she joined the opera company of Mordecai *Golinkin in Tel Aviv as prima ballerina. In 1931 she formed the Palestine Singing Ballet, a Yemenite group. She established Jerusalem Biblical Ballet, 1949.