Yiddish Dance- what's that?
What is Yiddish Dance? Yiddish dance is a modern name for what would once have just been called "Jewish dancing" in Ashkenazy communities. It's the way European and American Jews danced before the creation and dissemination of Israeli dance. The dance is more concerned with patterns in space and personal style than elaborate footwork. It has some elements in common with square dancing, but also borrows from other European folk styles, particularly Russian, Polish, and Romanian.
What is Klezmer music? Klezmer is the name given to Jewish instrumental music with roots in Eastern Europe. The name derives from two Hebrew words- Kley (vessels) and Zemer (song). A "vessel of song" is an apt description of a musical instrument. Klezmer music uses more modes than the Western major and minor scales, giving it a characteristic Jewish sound. The melodies tend to mix moods of ecstasy and longing; the rhythms can be rollicking or tender.
Is Yiddish dance hard? No! Much of what I do is just like follow-the-leader, but based on well researched traditional dance forms. These forms have evolved to the point where people resonate with the dancing on a deep emotional level.
Will young people enjoy it? People, particularly young people, will go where the fun is. When their investment of time and attention gets a big fun payback, they become very enthusiastic participants.
Will you work with a DJ? If must. I prefer working with a live band. I work with some of the finest klezmer band in the world, bands located in every region. Most of these bands also have a full repertoire of party standards- rock, pop, etc. Some clients like to alternate live music with a DJ, when they just have to have that radio hit sound. But live music, in my experience, is MUCH more engaging and flexible.
What is Klezmer music? Klezmer is the name given to Jewish instrumental music with roots in Eastern Europe. The name derives from two Hebrew words- Kley (vessels) and Zemer (song). A "vessel of song" is an apt description of a musical instrument. Klezmer music uses more modes than the Western major and minor scales, giving it a characteristic Jewish sound. The melodies tend to mix moods of ecstasy and longing; the rhythms can be rollicking or tender.
Is Yiddish dance hard? No! Much of what I do is just like follow-the-leader, but based on well researched traditional dance forms. These forms have evolved to the point where people resonate with the dancing on a deep emotional level.
Will young people enjoy it? People, particularly young people, will go where the fun is. When their investment of time and attention gets a big fun payback, they become very enthusiastic participants.
Will you work with a DJ? If must. I prefer working with a live band. I work with some of the finest klezmer band in the world, bands located in every region. Most of these bands also have a full repertoire of party standards- rock, pop, etc. Some clients like to alternate live music with a DJ, when they just have to have that radio hit sound. But live music, in my experience, is MUCH more engaging and flexible.
