It is with the heaviest of hearts that we would like to share that Shimon Braun – groundbreaking choreographer, visionary, painter, sculptor, author, and loving Father and Husband, passed away peacefully on July 8th 2025 while in the arms of his dear wife Meghan, and twin daughters Aiyana and Shirina.
Born in Poland in 1938, Shimon was a child refugee who survived the Holocaust, fleeing to five countries and learning five languages by age ten. He lived his life with an outlook of profound appreciation, leading with a kindness and authenticity that struck all who knew him.
Shimon started his career as a gold-medal gymnastics champion, later becoming an original member of the first cast of Batsheva Dance Company, chosen by legendary artistic director Martha Graham. He later founded the dance company Jazz Plus, which starred weekly on Israeli television and quickly became the country’s most popular dance company. Notably, he also choreographed the iconic film Kazablan.
After immigrating to the U.S., he founded WAVES, a groundbreaking jazz dance company that became a cultural force—from Philadelphia to Santa Fe, and across the globe from Rotterdam to the U.K.–and spawned a generation of artists who continue to recognize Shimon for their professional success. The New York Times praised WAVES as “A Phenomenon,” and his influence on the evolution of dance continues to resonate today.
He recently published an inspiring memoir about his extraordinary life, co-written with his wife Meghan, which is available on Amazon.
He is survived by his wife Meghan and his three children, Eldad, Shirina, and Aiyana, whom he loved fiercely.
Shiva will be held July 18th, 19th, 20th (Friday through Sunday) from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Braun family home.
We plan to host a gallery show / celebration of life for Shimon in January 2026, and will announce more details once those plans are solidified.
Founder of legendary Waves Jazz Dance Company shares his story in powerful new memoir
Shimon Braun, founder of the legendary Waves Jazz Dance Company, sat down with CBS Philadelphia’s Wakisha Bailey to reflect on his extraordinary journey — from fleeing Nazi-occupied Poland to becoming a choreographic force whose work electrified Philadelphia’s arts scene in the 1970s and 80s.
@CBS PHILADELPHIA @WAKISHA BAILEY
“Shimon Braun is an artist, a dancer, a survivor and a true citizen of the universe. His story is history, world, history, and life philosophy all rolled into one. Over the course of four decades, I have been privileged to hear the story of his extraordinary life. I am thrilled. His story will now be shared with everyone who reads his captivating book.”
-Monica Rosenthal, "Amy" from Everybody Loves Raymond
A Choreographic Journey of Survival and Triumph is a story of survival. A story of love breathed in the form of jazz dance told through vignettes about Shimon's life and artistic practice.
Critically acclaimed Choreographer Shimon Braun has lived a rich artistic life which has spanned some of the most monumental events of the past century, from the Nazi occupation of Braun’s native Poland, to the avant-garde dance scene of 1960s New York City.
Born at the time and place the second world war began (Lodge, Poland; 1938), his childhood consisted of escaping through five different Countries, attending five different schools, and learning five languages to evade the Nazis. Having lived a life of strife and triumph, his vast lived experience molded an artistic Oeuvre which shaped the emergence of Jazz Dance in Israel and the United States.
He studied with Martha Graham, Luigi, Matt Maddox, Jack Cole, and many other great choreographers of his generation.
In the 1970s and '80s, Shimon Braun's dance company, Waves, became a cultural powerhouse, captivating electrifying performances. Waves consistently sold out theaters, with standing-room-only crowds in cities like Philadelphia, London, New York, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. The company's dynamic energy often inspired audiences to leap out of their seats and dance in the aisles—an extreme manifestation of Shimon's drive to reach and connect with his audience on a deeply personal level.
Waves became an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape, earning the distinction of being named the "Best Cultural Addition to the City." In recognition of its groundbreaking influence, The New York Times also hailed Waves as "A Phenomenon."
In his memoir, Shimon reflects on the heart of his work, “I was always looking for unity among my dancers and tried to harmonize diversity. Unite people, unite styles, find some shared experience, and use art as a means to a unification of contrasts… and do all that with love.” His philosophy of uniting diverse cultures, styles, and experiences through movement mirrors his journey of resilience and personal transformation.
At 87, Shimon’s passion and dedication to his art are as vibrant as ever. He is eager to share his extraordinary journey with the world, and this memoir is the culmination of his life's work.
From the archives of Jazz Plus, the company who had performed concerts all across Israel and Europe.
A Message from Monica Rosenthal
“I am grateful for this opportunity to introduce my dear friend the extraordinary artist, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and holocaust survivor, Shimon Braun. Experience this beautiful soul and the incredible art, choreography, and history of Shimon Braun who is in conversation with Temple Israel of Hollywood. I cannot wait to experience this event!”
-Monica Rosenthal
Interview
Braun’s life is a testament to the power of art for the individual and the community. Today, Braun continues to paint, just as he “painted” renowned performance venues from around the world with his powerful dance companies for decades.
Renowned dancer, choreographer, painter, and teacher Shimon Braun will be joining us from his home in Philadelphia to share stories of serving as an officer in the Israeli army, dancing with the Batsheva Dance Company under the Artistic Direction of Martha Graham, and leading his own dance companies Jazz Plus and Waves which was hailed as a “Phenomenon” by The New York Times, before returning to painting and creating a prolific body of work on canvas.
A glance at the opening number of Shimon’s dance Company, Jazz Plus.
Waves Dance Company had sold-out performances at home in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, all over the United States and Europe.