What is Israeli dancing?

If you haven't thought about Israeli dance since the last time you stumbled through a hora at a Jewish wedding, it's time to take another look.

In Manchester  you can find Israeli dancing - which Israelis call rikudei am , or "dance of the people" .The classes are lively and fun where people of all ages, beginners and expert dancers dance together in an ever-expanding repertory of  dances, all performed with Israeli flair. The hora? That's just the beginning when it comes to Israeli dance!

Each year professional folk dance leaders and choreographers based in Israel and other countries create about 250 to 300 new Israeli dances. Usually a dance is created in response to a well-known song, often from the Israeli charts. The Israeli dancing repertoire now includes approx 4,000 dances created over the last 30 years. It is estimated that the 'crazy' and addicted  Israeli dancers know all the steps to about 400 dances!

Because Israel is made up of so many cultures, the music contains an amazing variation of moods, melodies, rhythms and forms - and the dances contain a corresponding variation in style... from Latin salsa to waltz and polka; from hip-hop to rock'n'roll; from Irish to Yemenite styles.

Israeli dancing is a combination of circle, couple and line dances 

The social experience

As well as dancing, a regular dance class (Harkada) creates opportunities for lots of socialising - friendship and a good chat. Participating regularly in a Harkada is healthy for both body and mind .Enjoy good music, good exercise and good fun!

 

 

 

Fitness

Israeli dancing is also a good way of keeping fit. A weekly Harkada class combines high impact activity with slower, more controlled movement. This contributes not only to one's fitness level but also to one's mental and emotional well-being - much more fun than the gym!

A worldwide phenomenon

Israeli dancing weekly Harkadot are run in many countries, cities and towns around the world - all over Europe, America and as far as Australia and Japan.

Apart from weekly Harkada there are also many dance weekends, dance camps (ranging from 3 to 5 days) and dance marathons (all-night dancing). These are organized around the globe throughout the year, featuring choreographers from Israel, participating and teaching new dances. 

   

Dudu Barzilay workshop in London Dec 2007

 

If you want to know more about Israeli dancing see the website of our friends Strictly Israeli Dancing from London. http://www.strictly-israeli-dancing.co.uk/

 

Weekly classes for women

Classes for beginners and intermediate dancers are on Wednesday nights at Maccabi (Prestwich) and on Thursday nights at Yeshurun Synagogue (Cheadle)

For information on dancing in North Manchester click here

NEW 4 week beginners class starts January 16th 2008

Learn the basic steps and popular simple Israeli dances !

 

For information on dancing in South Manchester click here

Beginners dances and basic steps revised !

 

Help! I'm a beginner 

Don't worry! Come early (8:30pm prompt at Maccabi & 8:15pm prompt at Yeshurun) and you can learn the basic steps and some easy dances.

Wear trainers/dance shoes and comfortable casual clothes.

We'll always make you feel welcome and why not bring along some friends?

Come regularly and you'll build up your repertoire within a few weeks..

 

What to expect

During the session we learn simple dances then move on to intermediated dances. During open dancing, we play requests and popular favourites for everyone to join in. If you're a beginner, pick someone who looks experienced and try to follow along at a safe distance.

 

Always feel free to contact us with queries.

Dianne 07941 382740

israelidance@hotmail.co.uk