An Introduction to Israeli Folk Dancing

Sunday, Feb. 21 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

$5 in advance, $10 at the door, kids free

For reservations contact Temple Beth Israel, 781-894-5146, office@tbiwaltham.org

Wear clothes that are comfortable for dancing.

“Israeli Folk Dancing” is a distinctly Israeli idiom of recreational social dancing, enjoyed widely and enthusiastically throughout Israel; it is also enjoyed throughout the world by Israelis, Jews, and other fans of the idiom. It was originally synthesized in the early part of the 20th Century as an expression of the developing identity of the burgeoning Jewish community in Palestine, and its largely secular, agriculturally-oriented character. Choreographers combined elements of the traditional and folkloric dances of the places of origin of people in the growing new Jewish communities (notably Romania, Russia, and Yemen) with local elements (Arabic, Druze, Circassian), and infused them with their own creativity, inspired by values such as community spirit and connection to the land. Over the decades the idiom expanded to include elements from other social dance idioms (such as ballroom) - as well as, to some extent, Jewish religious idioms - and to reflect the varied aspects of contemporary Israeli culture; the repertoire came to include couple and individual dances in addition to circle dances. Dances continue to be choreographed at a prolific pace.

Dance teacher Tzipi Shragai and her husband Uri will introduce you to Israeli Folk Dancing, with a number of easy dances. They have been dancing Israeli dances for over 50 years, and round out their dance skills with ballroom/Latin dancing and the Argentine tango. Tzipi is a consummate teacher, and has taught at congregations and schools, providing exciting Israeli dance experiences to children and adults alike.