Workshop Instructor: Dance master Bruce Bierman
Once, the Baal Shem Tov was asked why his Hasidim dance and sing at every occasion with so much joyful abandon. Indeed, Hasidic melodies and dance were created to open the heart quick and connect one friend to another friend in a supportive circle of trance-like joy. Basic Hasidic step patterns, line formations, partnering and meaningful hand gestures will be articulated with great care and context. Soulful nigunim (wordless melodies) will be taught and sung during the dancing as well. Then, we'll explore the Hasidic influence in Klezmer dance with the slow soulful Yiddish 'hora' and the rhythmical walk of the 'Chosidl'. Finally, we'll see the influence of Hassidic dance on Israeli Folk dance in a dance called 'Hora Hadera'. The class begins with a gentle warm-up inspired by the shapes and deeper meanings of the Hebrew letters.