2023-Why We Dance

I came to Portland to attend Lewis and Clark in 1970.  I took a PE course – International Folk dance and liked it. After the PE class, I started dancing International Folk dance at Fulton Park.  I liked Israeli folk dance and went to the Jewish Community Center in 1979.  Ann Fischer was the session leader and also taught classes

I have danced since I was five – I have danced Israeli folk dance for the past 35 years – it is fun.  I’m a dancer – I didn’t realize it until I moved to Portland.  Until then, I didn’t consider dance as part of my identity – it was just what I did. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “expression”. I have memories of International Folk dance at Fulton Park with Bill Nelson.  I remember dancing country western dances and Jon Zingeser was my partner.  We taught the country western dances to others.  I have a special memory about Bill Nelson.  After my Dad died, Bill said that I should keep dancing – that dance will help me get through this and it did.  

I like different types of dances.  I like fast, spirited dances because they are challenging.  I like the slower, sweet dances about love that speak to the heart.  I also like different dances that bring back memories of when and where I learned them. The session leaders have been wonderful.  Bill inspired me with his humor, and his ability to nurture community.  He held big, elaborate celebrations for birthdays and other events and he always gave long speeches.

Ann Fischer had integrity, love and commitment to Israeli folk dance.  She took great care in how she presented material to the class.  Dudi is Israeli – he embodies Israeli folk dancing – he is the real thing.  Dudi is fun, enthusiastic and a great partner.  Hoa would bring choreographers to Portland and hold workshops.  William and Donna are very good teachers. I have good memories of other session leaders.  I still remember when Moshiko came to Portland for a workshop.  I enjoyed Dani Dassa’s workshop when he came to Seattle.  I danced Ba Shana Ha Ba’a with Dani – it felt like I was dancing with my Dad. I became a session leader in 1998.  Before that, I backed up Hoa and Dudi when they needed help.  Hoa encouraged me to step forward in leadership.

There have been changes during the past 35 years.  I started with a record player and 33 speed phonograph albums.  It created a challenge for the session leaders.  There was a table of albums and the names of the dances were attached to each album.  It was a challenge to place the phonograph needle on the specific dance.  It also created more down time between the dances.  William’s bringing us into the digital age so that we could program with computers was a huge move forward for ease of programming and uninterrupted dancing throughout the evenings.  In the past, session leaders learned from workshops or by reading the dance steps.  Now, session leaders and dancers can learn the new dances on the Internet and from dvd’s as well.

Dance has built a sense of community.  We have grown to know each other and care about each other.  We develop friendships and celebrate birthdays and other occasions.  We support each other in good times and hard times.  We are growing old together. Portland is a special place to dance because of our close community.  Our dancers are warm hearted, fun and inclusive.  Visitors tell us how much they enjoy dancing in Portland.

Debbi has created an amazing extension of our NW community with B’Yachad, our regional dance weekend at Camp near Olympia, drawing dancers from Washington and BC and even California! I was part of Eric’s performance group for a number of years.  We wore costumes and performed at many events in Portland and Salem.  Many of us also danced at peace gatherings in the Park blocks, at Pittock Mansion at sunrise, in Pioneer Square, Rose Festival, the lobby of the “Schnitz” and other places.  We wanted to include the larger community.

I love Israeli folk dance - it’s about fun and community.  I love our weekly sessions and enjoy teaching the beginner and intermediate classes.  I added dance to my synagogue and we now dance after services.  Israeli folk dance is a way to call in our history – our ancestors and our community. My advice to beginners is not to worry about learning the steps, just enjoy and feel the music, be respectful of others, and have fun.

I haven’t been dancing for that many years. I’ve always really loved international music. Of course, I love Israeli music now. Strangely enough, being single has kept me dancing because I’ve always been with men who didn’t like dancing. So, the moral of the story is, stay single! I feel like I did it wrong--I think ‘dancer’ should have been by top dating priority all along.

I haven’t really danced anywhere other than Portland. I have a feeling if you have the music and the people, and the dances, then anywhere is good.

I have several one-word descriptions for Israeli dancing. Challenging, serendipitous, immersive, decompressive... Serendipity is like a good surprise, and I feel like any time I do a new dance there is a good surprise in it. Serendipity is a by-chance thing though, maybe just say “delightful” or “surprising.”

A Portland memory that stands out is dancing at Fulton Community Center. When I first started coming, I didn’t know any dances. I would just sit down and watch. After a while I started recognizing little bits of the music, and I would just jump up and try to do those parts of the dances.

My favorite dance is Kordion, and that's a new one. The music is really catchy. When I was a beginner, I liked waltzes because they typically move along slowly and pull me with the current. But now that I can dance a little bit faster, and I prefer the faster dances.

A change I have seen over the years came with covid. Now, people don't hold hands and I miss that a lot.

Israeli Folk dance has a sense of community. I always think of it like the show Cheers, it's nice to walk into a place where everybody knows your name. Our group is small, and I hope our group gets much bigger. We're excited about any new person that walks in. I really like that our group is welcoming and makes new people feel they belong.

My advice to beginner Israeli folk dancers is just to practice. It's so dead simple. When I started dancing, I would think a lot about the best way to learn. Donna would say to me, “It’s just practice.” It’s not exciting, but that is the truth. The more you do it the better you get at it. The other thing I would say is that it can be a little bit painful as a beginner. Your desire to learn something has to be greater than your frustration or embarrassment at others watching you mess up. I think of it as taming the ego. It is hard to learn new things, but it’s good for you. You’ll stay humble.

 It was my first introduction to the Jewish community and it was very powerful.  I discovered that this connectedness is the real meaning of the Jewish community.  Alfred Adler, the noted psychologist, talks about the need for belonging and significance – I found it at this workshop, with this group.  Four years later I converted to Judaism – Israeli folk dance was instrumental in my decision to convert. 

After the workshop, we danced at the Jewish Community Center on Tuesday nights; our session leader was Ann Fischer.  In the summer, we danced at the Rose Garden in Washington Park.   Bill Nelson made the arrangements and Ann led the dancing.  In winter, we danced at Fulton Park community center. I have danced for the past 34 years because of the people, the music, and the connectedness.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance with one word it is “community”.  We have had wonderful inspiring leaders.  Ann was gentle, warm and an encouraging leader.  William was an excellent teacher and was very good at physically and verbally describing moves in a dance.  Allison and Donna are fabulous leaders.  Dudi is always full of enthusiasm.

There have been changes in the music, dances, the location and the leaders.  I miss the hand-holding in some of the new dances.  I also miss the large floor space at the Jewish Community Center. I think Portland is a very special place to dance.  The dancers in Portland are friendly and they connect with each other – they prioritize relationships.  The regularity and the people make Portland Israeli dancing special and provides a sense of community.  

Debbi has played a pivotal role in Portland Israeli folk dance.  She has increased our sense of community exponentially by planning and organizing B’Yachad every year. I love Israeli folk dancing – it is a wonderful place to combine one’s physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual dimensions.  It is wonderful for our bodies; it feeds our senses and is a great place to socialize. My advice to beginners is try it out – give yourself a few months to develop a sense of confidence and connection.  It will come.

My favorite dance is Eilu Tziporim.  It was the first couple dance I learned.  I like the music and the dance.  The music is connected to my favorite singer. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “exuberating”. I have kept dancing for the past 12 years because it is fun - I enjoy the community and I like socializing with other dancers.

Dance creates a sense of community because of the regularity of the dance sessions.    Our dance community cares about each other, we have made friendships, we travel to camps together and we see each other outside of dance. I think Portland is a special place to dance because of the strong bond within the group.  In other places they have much larger groups and more professionalism. There have been a number of changes during the past 30 years.  Israeli folk dance is now more commercialized – it is an industry, not just a folk environment.  The dances have changed and how they are taught has changed.  In the past, the leader went to camps to learn new dances – now they are available on the Internet and You Tube.

I love Israeli folk dance.  I connect with the music and dance of my country whether it is old or new.  I like the singers and the lyrics - I like the connection with our group that we all have one thing in common - our love of Israeli folk dance. My advice to beginners is to come on a regular basis.  There is a lot to learn – it can be overwhelming, but there is repetition.   Just follow along and don’t be inhibited.  Use your leg muscles, not your brain.

Dudi was the session leader I have danced for the past 40 years because I love the community - the dancing, the music, the meaning of the songs, the people and the exercise. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “wonderful”.  

I have some memories of folk dance that stand out.  I remember a special time at B’Yachad.  I was in our room with my other roommates.  Allison was practicing before her session and she taught the three of us a new dance - it was very special.  We had such fun and felt so close.  I remember watching William dance at B’Yachad with such grace.  I remember watching Dudi dance Yemenite dances with such spirit.  I remember watching Debbi trying to get our attention before dinner to make announcements about upcoming events at B’Yachad. I think Portland is a special place to dance because the people are so nice.  They are very warm and welcoming to new people.  I have danced in many places and our group is the most inclusive and accepting of others.  

The session leaders have all inspired me in different ways.  Dudi created wonderful energy and brought so many beautiful dances to our group.  It’s special to watch him dance - he has such excitement and love for what he is doing.  William brought couple’s dances to Portland - a very valuable contribution.  He always made us feel like we could do them - it was very special.  Allison creates a comfortable, close, warm environment - it is like being welcomed to her home.  She brings an intimacy and warmth to dancing and between fellow dancers.  Donna brings excitement and energy to our group.  She creates a spark with her energy and her new dances.  It is a renewal.  

I always have favorite dances but they change. Dance has changed in the past 40 years.  It has picked up more cultural pieces, style and music from other cultures.  We are fortunate to have regulars, but we need to attract more young people to join our group and carry on our dancing. Dance creates a sense of community.  It is like a synagogue.  We are all doing something together on a regular basis that we love and share.  It is a beautiful thing - a gift.  B’Yachad has helped create our sense of community. I love Israeli folk dance.  When I look back on my life, Israeli folk dance is one of the most joyful aspects of my life - I’m appreciative of that.  It is in my top list of joyous experiences of my life and it has been so in each city and in each stage of my life. My advice to beginners is to have fun and don’t worry about being perfect right away - you will learn the dances.

I have kept dancing for the past 15 years because of the joy of dancing, the spiritual rush I receive, the community feeling of coming together that is bigger than me and the surge of energy I get from dance.  I used to write essays in school about my love of Israeli folk dance. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “joy”.

I have several important memories.  My most important memory is when I met my husband, Moshe, at dancing at the JCC in 2000.  We married in 2012.  I have fun memories of the all-night dance parties at the JCC and how tired and weary I was, but I would still get up and dance.  I have wonderful memories of B’Yachad.

The session leaders have been very good.  Allison is always positive and has a smile on her face.  William was able to connect with everyone.  Donna has a wonderful style of dance - it is almost ballet. Portland is special because we have a good community and a lot of dancers who attend on a regular basis. I have several favorite dances.  I like Balagan because it is a fun, upbeat, lively dance.  I like Esperanza - it is a fun partner dance.

There have been changes over the years.  I like the newer, modern dances and I like different styles.  I like it that every song has a different dance choreographed specifically for that song and even though the dances are different, they still have the same core steps. Dance creates a sense of community.  I connect with other people and we are a spiritual community as well.  Israeli folk dance adds to my love for Judaism.  Dance is prayer and meditation.  It puts me into that same state of blissful contentedness and makes me feel closer to God and the community around me. I love Israeli folk dance - it is a lifelong way to express myself and to fully be in the moment. My advice to beginners is to keep coming back each week.  Each week you learn a little more and you build upon your knowledge.

I left and went to college and didn’t dance again until 1993.  I was living in Portland and was a director for a junior high camp.  I wanted to teach the campers Israeli folk dance, but needed a refresher course.  I called the Jewish Community Center and they suggested I talk to Dudi.  I went to the JCC, met Dudi and enrolled in his beginner class, which led to his intermediate class, and so on. I danced in Portland for 10 years until I moved to Kennewick, Washington in 2003.  If I hadn’t moved, I would still be dancing.  I love Israeli folk dance – the music, the joy of dance and the people.  I made lasting friendships with Dudi, Diane, Donna, Yael, and others. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “joy”.

There are several memories that stand out for me.  I remember when Dudi taught us Maryuma.  Dudi had choreographed this dance, but he didn’t tell us that at first.  I loved the dance and even more so when I found out that he was the choreographer Another memory is when I went to Israel in 2001 with Diane.  We danced in Tel Aviv and Haifa, and one night we danced in Jerusalem.  We introduced ourselves to the session leader, Rami Avraham, and told him we were from Portland, Oregon.  He was very excited and introduced us to Yael, one of his dancers, who was going to move to Portland in two months.  Yael was depressed because she didn’t think there was Israeli folk dancing in Portland.  I gave her my phone number and email address.  Two months later, she contacted me - she was living in Beaverton.  The next Sunday I picked her up and brought her to Fulton Park and introduced her to Dudi and our group.  She became a regular and danced every week. I have fond memories of being Dudi’s partner when he taught the group new couple’s dances – that was very special.

Dudi was an inspiring dance teacher.  He danced with pure joy and passion.   He moved in a certain way and I can see the same movement when my daughter Deborah dances.  She is a jazz dancer with an Israeli movement – we call it the groove. Maryuma is my favorite dance because Dudi choreographed the dance – it is a fun dance and it’s an honor to have learned it from him. I also like Nedunia – it is fun and I remember always dancing next to Donna.

There were changes during the 10 years I danced in Portland.  There were different session leaders, locations, dancers left and new ones arrived. Israeli folk dance creates a sense of community.  It is a fun and healthy activity.  Our small community of dancers within a larger community is unique because we have our love of dance in common.  For me, Portland was a very special place to dance because of Dudi.  He shared his Israeli culture, his passion, and his pure love for dance with all of us.  

I love Israeli folk dance – it is part of me – my Jewishness – it was born in me.  I love the music and I love moving to the music – it is so natural and it speaks to me like nothing else.  Last year I visited Portland and attended dance at Fulton Park with Diane and my daughter Deborah.  It was soothing to my soul.  Deborah said that I had a smile on my face for the entire two hours. My advice to beginners is relax - and if the music moves you don’t give up!

Folk dancing was immensely popular at Reed, partly, because it was pretty much the only non-academic, social activity on campus.  To give you some idea how popular it was - we danced every Wednesday until midnight and all night Fridays.

We did the classical dances of Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria, etc. and the new dances from recently formed state of Israel.  Thanks to Pearl Atkinson, PE Professor at Reed, the cultural ambassador of Israel, Rivka Sturman, was invited to teach her choreographies many times over the years. After graduating from Reed, I continued to dance there, eventually running the program.  I also created folk dance programs elsewhere, most notably for the Portland Park Bureau:  dancing under the stars at Washington Park and later the program at Fulton Park Community Center, which remains today under the leadership of Donna Cole, as a Sunday evening of Israeli folk dancing.

Marna Kleinman, whom I danced with at Reed, was asked by the Jewish Community Center (JCC) to start weekly Israeli dance classes for both high school students and adults.  She asked me to help her - so when she was among the first women to be accepted to Rabbinical school, I was able to continue the classes which later became the JCC Israeli Folk Dance night.

Israeli folk dancing has been integral to my life since my Reed student days.  It has been fascinating (for me) to witness the evolution of this new folk dance from its inception until now.  Beginning with Jewish versions of the Greek Hora, the choreographies quickly added Yemenite steps, which have largely dominated all succeeding choreographies.

If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “rhythm”. I am most inspired by the music.  My favorite dances are the ones choreographed by Moshiko.   He came to Portland several times - I enjoy his dances, but I change them also.  Rivka visited Reed a number of times - she asked me to wait until she left before I changed her dances.

One of my favorite memories is dancing in the Amphitheater in Washington Park.  We danced by starlight twice a week.  I arranged the dancing on my own without permission from the Parks Bureau, but soon became the Director of Folk Dance for the Parks Bureau and taught at conferences for various organizations and in many locations.

There have been many changes during the past 50 years.  The new dances incorporate turns in the dances and change direction, which didn’t occur in the original dances.  The new dances are more confusing - they are more dancer’s dances than mimicker’s dances.

Dance creates a sense of community.  It creates a comfortable environment for people to be in a social setting.  Most social settings have an inherent awkwardness. There have been studies on aging to compare relative benefits of different activities. Dancing proved to be by far the most beneficial activity.  People who danced were healthy mentally and physically.  Dancing combines physical exercise and social life, which are equally important to the keep the body and brain alive.

I love Israeli folk dance - the music encompasses so many cultures - we get flavors of all the different cultures. Portland is special because it has embraced so many dance forms - Greek, Scandinavian, Israeli, Hungarian, Irish, Contra, Salsa, Scottish, and Tango. My advice to beginners is to listen to the music - it’s all about the rhythm.  Dance to music that you like.

Ann Fischer and Dee Wolf inspired me.  Ann and Dee had love and passion for Israeli dance, were excellent teachers and had welcoming personalities to all who attended.  Ann was a beloved friend who passed away in 1991.  Dee remains a beloved friend to this day.  I was a session leader in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “energizing”. The have been changes during the past 40 years.  The music and dance steps are more modern.  The stories behind the dance are not known or discussed as much as they were in the past.

Dance builds a sense of community because it welcomes all groups and cultures of people. Portland is a special place to dance because it is a smaller group of welcoming people and it is a group who has danced over the years I have enjoyed many years of Israeli dance and I wish to continue for many years to come. My advice to beginners is to come, participate and enjoy.

I have good memories of Israeli folk dance.  I remember one night dancing in Allison’s class - we started laughing so hard we couldn’t stop - it was the hardest laughing spell I’ve ever had.  I remember coming home tired after work and then going dancing and feeling less tired - feeling renewed.  I have many good memories of B’Yachad - it was always wonderful. Allison has inspired me and is a wonderful teacher.  She would say, “be gentle on yourself” when learning a new dance.  She would always bring humor. My favorite dance is Le’Orech Hatayelet. There have been changes during the past twenty years including our location.

Dance builds a sense of community by bringing us together in a circle, by holding hands and by doing the steps together. I love Israeli folk dance because it is joyful and because of the friendships I’ve made.  B’Yachad brings people together and helps us get to know each other. My advice for beginners is to just enjoy yourself.

I enjoy the whole package – it is family – the way it should be. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “life”. I have good memories of Portland.  Our group is very close – I didn’t anticipate this when I first started dancing.  Everyone gets noticed here – this is not possible in other places.

The session leaders have been very good teachers.  Dudi, Allison, William, Donna and Avi are all very personable. A favorite dance is Sodcha; I like the singer.  I also like Yemenite dances and dances to songs with theological themes, and even songs with lyrics that are completely incomprehensible to me.  Favorites have a tendency to pile up. There have obviously been changes during the past 20 years – effort and talent get results.  I have a natural tendency to worry or hope that the exotic doesn’t replace melody as has happened elsewhere.

Back in my flight instructor days I had enough dance in me to easily see a choreography in the elements, the subroutines and the whole performance of my students.  It’s not clockwork; one projects a pattern and calculates to carry it out.  (Of course if the projection really wasn’t feasible then you are upset about it!)  Like dance, the pleasure was in the motion and the art of precision.  After a full day of flying, my boss would take up one of her own aircraft and do aerobatic routines and I’d see her come back with that elated look you always have after a favorite dance or after someone finally gets it and does it well. 

It’s a short step to see choreography everywhere else.  So did King Solomon in a sense – the eagle, snake, ship, guys and girls.  So if a biologist sees choreography in RNA transfer, so be it.  Then nature has a thousand dances, really more.

I suppose thinking of a plane as a partner has drawbacks in the analogy of a partner set.  One doesn’t safety check a dance partner from nose to tail, wiggle all the parts to see if they work and then wash their glasses.  I’m still looking for a correlation in the refueling and adding a quart of oil.  Getting dizzy is common enough.

When I came back to the States one of the first dances I attended was as an armed guard assigned to a nightclub.  I was told that I’d get beat up within a month.  We had to travel in pairs and continue where the bouncers left off.  A knife was pulled on us once.  I hated the place for a lot of reasons; it flunked in atmosphere, music, lyrics and choreography.  Any place is flawed if the friction is considerable, if the old folks aren’t comfortable and if children aren’t allowed in. 

Anyway, those who demand “real songs”, that is, a quality and decency in lyrics, the best in melody and mature choreography, will congregate and find like-minded friends there.  If babies, toddlers, the feeble, injured and elderly all have a home then everyone else does.  Portland Israeli dance has all that.

I favor Israeli dance.  Health and location limit me from other activities.  Israeli folk dance is suitable for all ages, no one is excluded – it is healthy – it is a community dance. My advice to beginners is don’t leave on the first round – don’t be intimidated by the choreography, or us!

My sister Esther, and my daughter Becca, started dancing at the Jewish Community Center soon after the Bat Mitzvah.  I waited a year later and then started attending Café Shalom at the Jewish Community Center.  I first took the beginner’s class with Sara Charney Cohen and then took lessons from Allison. 

I have kept dancing for the past 13 years because I love it.  I have no athletic ability, but it is exercise that I like doing – I found it.  I love it even if I’ve had a long day and I’m tired or hot – it is good for my mind, my body and soul. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “uplifting”.

I have one Portland memory that comes to mind.  When I was taking Allison’s class, we had a performance on stage at the JCC.   It was funny being up on stage in front of an audience – I felt like I was in kindergarten all over again. The session leaders have all inspired me – they are encouraging and accepting.  They are exceptional because they make me feel that “even I can do it”.  

Portland is a very special place to dance.  People from other dance communities comment about how close we are – that we are like a family. I have several favorite dances.  They are Mei Nahar, Mizmor Laila, and Sfinoteha.  I like them because they are not too fast, but they are spunky, spirited and jazzy. There have been changes over the years, but it is amazing how little the people change – dancing keeps everyone young.  People in their 60’s dance like they are in their 30’s – it is the Fountain of Youth.

Dance does create a sense of community.  We have our session leaders to thank for helping create our sense of community.  They celebrate our birthdays, holidays and special occasions. We are also fortunate that our group is composed of exceptionally warm and nice people.  Dancing is a happy thing  - I’m always at my best – relaxed, happy and I’m moving. I love Israeli folk dance because it is good for my mind, body and soul and I will do it forever. My advice to beginners is to just do your best – it doesn’t matter if you learn the dance, just catch one piece each week and you’ll get there.

I signed up and did only one square dance - the Virginia reel - and the rest of the time we did folk dancing.  I continued going to class and really liked it.  I was involved with Hillel and they brought in a teacher from Philadelphia who taught us modern Israeli folk dances. I learned Ya Abud there. After college, I moved to Chicago for graduate school at Northwestern. I checked out where I could dance and discovered that Phil Moss had a dance group on the Northwestern campus.  It was the largest group in the area and attracted all the leaders from the other local groups.  I loved it and it was an easy walk from my apartment.  The first day was a workshop and I was totally overwhelmed, but I continued going and started learning the repertoire.  They taught every week - three beginning dances and three intermediate dances - I loved it. I moved to Portland in 1998 and danced at Fulton Park sometimes but mostly at the JCC.  William and Allison were the session leaders.  I took an advanced couple’s workshop from William that I remember a lot about.

I have danced weekly for the past 24 years because it is great exercise, reduces stress and is a good social activity.  In graduate school once I was obsessed with a paper and skipped folk dance, but then realized how much I needed it for my physical and mental well-being.   When I dance, I flow - I’m one with the music.  The concentration it takes to learn a new dance is all encompassing and engrossing. If I had to describe dance using just a few words they would be “movement, community, Jewish”. At present, my life is more complicated with kids, working full-time, and an injured knee - there are more barriers to dance, but it’s still an important part of my life.

I have favorite memories of hours and hours in the dance studio with William teaching us new couple’s dances.  I remember after my daughter, Amber, was born I went to a Jewish festival at Reed College.  Rachel Stern asked me if there was Israeli folk dance in Portland.  I remember the first day that Avi and Deborah wandered into dance at the JCC.  I remember Robin teaching couple’s dances at Collins View.

The session leaders have been wonderful.  I love William - he encouraged me to dance with more grace and less bounce - he influenced my form.  I love to watch him as a dancer.  He and Donna are excellent teachers and are amazing the way they can break down a dance into steps that make sense and are learnable. I have several favorite dances.  I love He Lo Yoda’at Ma Over Ali because it is a beautiful couple’s dance with neat, fast spins for the woman.  Another favorite is Hora Mekudeshet - I love it because of the big jumps in the air.  I love Al Hanissim because I enjoy the big jumps in the air and singing the Hebrew words to this popular Chanukah song.  I love Dayagim, a couples dance where the woman jumps in the air and is simultaneously lifted by the man - fun!  Is there a pattern here?

I have a favorite memory of an all day workshop with Ken Avner, an American choreographer.  We still do his dances because he came to the workshop and taught them to us.  I remember Howard was there and it was a beautiful day and he said he was going to leave mid-day to go hiking.  We moved here from Chicago because of hiking and camping and nature, but I spent all day in the workshop and didn’t regret it. Portland is a special place to dance.  In Chicago, the repertoire changed more often.  In Portland many of our dancers have danced with our group for a long time. Donna teaches new dances on Sunday night, which I really enjoy.

Dance builds a sense of community.  I’m a member of a synagogue and of the dancing community - dancing reaches out and you get to know a lot of other people.  B’Yachad is very special because we have time to get to know the other dancers during meals and relaxing time.  When I had Amber, most of the people who brought over meals were my fellow dancers. There have been changes during the past 24 years.  The different locations - people come and go - Howard, Jonathan and William moved away.  Dudi had to quit as a session leader and Donna took over as leader.

I love Israeli folk dance because I love the music and the connection to Judaism.  I love the people - everyone is friendly, happy and welcoming.  Everyone contributes to our community.  I like celebrating birthdays and special occasions.  Dance is good therapy - it cheers me up and it makes me happy.  It is exercise that is fun and totally engrossing.

My advice to beginners is to try, and try again and keep dancing.  It’s helpful to dance behind the line while you’re trying to learn the steps.  If you keep coming, you will learn the dances - don’t get discouraged, the first day is the worst - we were all new at one time - it’s risky, but we came back.  And now we’re totally addicted!

2023 - Cindy has been doing Israeli folk dancing for over 30 years in Portland, Seattle (over zoom), Chicago, and Philadelphia. She's attended 17 B'YACHAD dance camps, as well as camps in Wisconsin, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver. Cindy has taught and led dancing at Leedy, the Multnomah Arts Center, Havurah Shalom, Milwaukie Winter Celebrations, and at work. 

Some people at Bill’s session suggested that I go to Reed College on Friday night – it was the best folk dancing I had ever attended.  There was so much energy – over 100 dancers – young and single.  I also started dancing at Portland State University – Mischa Creditor was the leader.  After he left, I ran it for five or six years alone or in combination with two other dancers.  At PSU we first had the gym, then a classroom, then we were kicked off campus because we weren’t students.  The same thing happened at Reed because most of the dancers weren’t students. In 1974 I went to the open dancing session at the Jewish Community Center.  The first night that I attended, I was recruited for the Ayalah Performing group by Mimi Epstein.  

I have kept dancing for the past 41 years because it is a good activity – it is positive and is good exercise. If I had to use one word to describe Israeli folk dance it would be “stimulation”. The memories that stand out are the five years I spent in the Ayalah Performing group.  We were a very close group and went to each other’s homes.  I remember driving to Seattle in the JCC van.  It broke down in Olympia and dance friends from Seattle came down and picked us up.  We stayed in the same house together in Seattle.  I didn’t want it to end.

We had performances in the Seattle folklife festival at the Mural Amphitheater, at Camp Solomon Schechter in Olympia and at the B’nai B’rith camp in Lincoln City.  The Ayalah performers were committed to six months of practice before each performance.  We learned where in the music you are supposed to be at all times. Mimi inspired me - she was a very good teacher and taught me stage choreography.  I went on to do stage choreography for two groups of dancers.  Allison and Donna are inspiring and are very good teachers.

Mischa Creditor was incredible.  I would learn about the feeling of the dance from him and dance is all about feeling.  Moshe Eskayo was the symbol of the National Dance Theatre of Israel.   I could learn so much from him.  Moshiko was inspiring - I remember a workshop where he taught a dance suite for performances.  Chaim Livneh was an inspiring choreographer and teacher. My favorite dance is Debka Habir – it is a performance dance – very strong and distinctive.  I also like Joshua and Livavtini, an old couples dance that is still done.  

There have been many changes over the past 41 years.  People come and go – most of us used to be single and in our 20s – now most of the dancers are married and are in their 50s.  The dancers aren’t as social as they used to be and no longer go out together after the session – I miss that. The dances have changed – it is a challenge to keep the old dancers engaged and it is harder for new dancers.  In the old days, there were fewer dances and the dances were repeated more often – people didn’t mind.  

Dance does create a sense of community, but there was more of a sense of community in previous years.  The dancers were younger, single and socialized more in the earlier years. Portland is special in that it is open to all people – there is no snobbishness.  We also play some of the old dances. I like Israeli folk dance, especially the couples dances – they are my favorite.  I also like the connection with other people.  I loved the Ayalah performance group – I loved the closeness of the group - it was the best time of my life. My advice to beginners is to don’t expect to dance every dance.  Be patient with yourself – it takes time to learn the dances.

Many years later as a young single mother I saw an ad in the newspaper for international folk dancing that was being held at the local JCC.  I decided to give dancing a try and have never looked back.  Dancing gave me a community and a wonderful activity in my busy life. The international group moved to another location and I continued with that, but an Israeli dance group started at the JCC and I started dancing in that group too. I have always been very drawn to Israeli dance and music, and had a really good teacher in Indy.    

For me it is fun that Israeli dance is a living tradition with new music and dance, but also that there is  much traditional music and dance steps. I am really drawn to certain energetic dances with moves I love - I know them when I see them - but I am not sure I can put to words why I am drawn to them.  A few I love are Rachamim, Lanetzach Tzeirim (got to request that again), and Meohav ad Hashamayim.  

IFD in one word would be joy, but I would also add community, beauty, and terrific exercise.  It is a wonderful way to keep learning.

I danced Israeli folk dance and International folk dance at Reed College until I moved to Israel. I married an Israeli woman and we lived in Naharia, Israel for years and then lived on a nearby Kibbutz.  I served in the Israeli army for several years.  We moved to the United States - first to Boston and then to back to Portland.

I started dancing here in 1987 at the Jewish Community Center.  I quit dancing for a while and was divorced from my wife.  I’m back dancing and it is a higher priority because it is a bonding experience with Zivit.  

Allison is a wonderful session leader and teacher.  She dances with her focus on her students, not on herself.  She monitors her students carefully - she is like a private tutor - it is very special. If I had to describe Israel folk dance using just one word it would be “satisfying”. Portland is a special place to dance.  The group is warmer than anywhere I have ever been.  

There have been changes during the past 40 years.  The dances are more complex.  They used to be rambunctious and full of energy, now they are more sophisticated, softer and quieter.  The group has gotten smaller than in the past and our dancers are older. I like Israeli folk dance very much.  I like to hear and dance to Hebrew.  I like the music and the people are very nice and good-hearted. I don’t have any advice for beginners, but I think we need to attract more young people and families to our dancing.  We need kids and grandkids to be part of our group.

 I was dancing in the circle!  Neither of my parents danced, but my mother started taking me there to dance once a week - she’d drop me off, go do errands, and pick me up at the end of the session!  I still remember Fran, the session leader.  It was so much fun, so celebratory, and I loved holding hands with other people in a circle.

We moved to Massachusetts in 1980, and then my mother and I moved back to Illinois in 1983.  I started dancing again at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center in Portland, Oregon, in 1988.  My mother and I had attended a Klezmer concert there.  Many people got up and formed a big circle, because the music was so exciting.  Much later, I attended another Klezmer concert there, and once again, people jumped up and formed a circle.  Only by this time, I had already learned some Israeli dance steps.  They would get in a circle and then someone would yell, “This way!” and just start running in one direction, and everyone would follow, until enough people got tired, and then someone would yell, “Now this way!” and everyone would run in the opposite direction!  Only then did I realize they had no idea what to do.  They could’ve used even a few basic Israeli dance tips to make it more fun - and certainly less monotonous!  They could use a good dance leader.

When I started Israeli dancing in Portland in January 1988, it was on Tuesday nights in the big auditorium at Mittleman, and Dudi was the leader.  He also taught a dance class in the dance studio at Mittleman, and was a great teacher and leader.  I became interested in other dances.  I learned Scandinavian, Balkan, International, Japanese, and African dances.  For a while I danced with Hopa Folkdance Ensemble.  We performed at nursing homes and at Northwest Folklife Festival.  Some people I met at Israeli dance, such as Sylvia, Clay, and sometimes Dwight, were also in this group.  Eventually, I taught International folk dance in schools as an Artist in the Schools, and to seniors in programs such as OASIS and Garden Home Recreation Center.

I’ve kept Israeli dancing for over 25 years because it’s such a joyous and invigorating experience.  When we dance, the rhythm of our breath changes and relaxes.  Dancing with friends is wonderful.  Some of our dancers have met their husbands, wives, best friends at dancing who’ll be in each other’s lives forever. If I had to describe dance in one word, it would be peace.  The togetherness of dance, that overrides all else, is the closest we come to peace.

B’yachad, an Israeli dance camp started by Debbi, is special for me.  I wrote a poem about B’yachad.  I went to Chagigah, an Israeli dance camp in Wisconsin, in 2001.  Robin, Debbi, Barry, Eric Singer, and Jonathan Didner from Portland were all there.  There were nine Israeli choreographers there.  I danced in Los Angeles with my cousin Tamara - there were hundreds of people there, in several concentric rings, and once in a while, a man with a loudspeaker would announce a sports score, right in the middle of a dance!  It seemed antithetical to dancing.  Politics and sports divide people; dancing brings us together.

Dudi was a wonderful leader and teacher.  He wanted everyone dancing.  If he saw me sitting out, he’d come right over and ask why I wasn’t dancing.  I liked watching Dudi dance.  He was amazing, magic; he was inside the music - not separate from it.  I miss him so much.  Donna is a delight, a good teacher, and a lovely person.  Donna is so graceful when she dances that it’s like she’s walking on a cloud.  Debbi has become a dear friend.  Her mother founded the Oregon Holocaust Memorial, and three of my mother’s family died in the Holocaust and are named on that memorial, and because of Debbi, I now share the story of my mom’s family with hundreds of school students and senior citizens each year.

Portland is a special place to dance.  It is smaller than many other cities.  Because of this, when new people show up to dancing here, we greet them.  A common question is, “How did you wind up here?’  Nobody in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or even Seattle wonders how people wind up there, because so many people go to those bigger cities.  In Los Angeles when I danced with my cousin, only my cousin’s two friends and one or two other people out of all those hundreds of people even said hello to me.  It could also be because that dance group is so big - I remember a smaller group in the Boston area being friendlier. 

Someone once shared an observation about couples who dance:  that if the man likes Israeli folk dance but the woman doesn’t he’ll quit dancing eventually, but if the woman likes to dance, she’ll keep dancing without him. In the past 25 years, the group has aged, and there are fewer people - especially fewer younger people and more people who aren’t Jewish or Israeli.  They have a different connection to the dancing and culture than I do.  Israelis have a different connection to it than we American Jews do.  And the dances themselves are changing, more line dances and couples’ dances, and fewer where you hold hands.

Dance creates a sense of community, because you see the same people, you share the same space and you hold hands.  Music also builds that sense of community.  Dancing brings together a disparate group, people with different outlooks, politics, beliefs.  What else but dance and music could bring together such a diverse hodgepodge of people, all holding hands?  Dancing is peace - you can’t fight or argue with someone while you hold hands and dance.

I’ve heard some express the concern that too many dances sessions could splinter the community.  I’m concerned that there are so few young people - we need young people in order for the dancing to carry on.  We also need to keep the dancing vital.  We get into our habits; the same dances, same music, same versions of the music.  Young people want live music.  A young person recently told me their generation loves dancing to live music, and what I’ve observed bears this out:  whenever there is live music, you always have more young people.  An Israeli folk dancer once told me that live music wouldn’t work at an Israeli dance, that the band wouldn’t know how to perform the song the same way we dance to it.  That’s just an excuse.  If we dance the chorus twice, just tell the band to please play the chorus twice.

I know it’s a financial challenge to have a live band, but once in a while it would be really great.  For instance, the Balkan dance community draws a huge crowd when they have live bands.  In Eugene every January, there’s a Balkan dance festival with dance teaching during the day, and live music at night.  At the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, they have all kinds of dances with live music.  These events always draw so many people.  But at Folklife, they’ve started to have Israeli dancing only every two years now, not every year like they used to.  Back when they did have Israeli dancing there every year, it wasn’t well attended, and I had mixed feelings myself.  Why would I dance Israeli dances up there, to the same old recordings I can dance to here in Portland any old week, when there’s so much to see and do that you can only see or do at Folklife?  Israeli dancing needs to remain vital, vibrant, energetic and alive, or like anything else, it gets ordinary and stale.  This takes effort, from live music, to new versions of old songs, to new dances, to reviving good old ones.

It’s been great dancing for seniors every month at places like Rose Schnitzer Manor and the Robison Home, thanks to Melba.  Yet there’s so much more we could do, more events and performances out in the community, to let people know that Israeli dancing even exists in Portland.

My advice is to welcome beginners and introduce ourselves, and let them know about beginner’s classes.  For us to retain new dancers, we need to give them basics - Yemenite, Mayim - like I got from Dudi.  He had the patience of a saint when he taught.  I look at Dudi as an example of the patience I try to have when I teach! I love to look at how dancing brings joy to a new generation, and know it will continue in some form.  Dance brings people together despite differences, despite all the changes in the world.  Even as dance changes, it’s constant.  It brings back my childhood memories of dancing when I was 7.

During this time, we also belonged to a club that began at the JCC entitled, The Free University, which met weekly to plan activities for high school students.

Andrea Hunter from Reed College was the leader of this group.  She planned activities together with “talented friends of hers” who led, among other things, camping trips and artful activities.  One evening Andrea invited a fellow folk dancer, Marna Kleinman, to come and teach us Israeli folk dancing.  I remember the first dance we learned was entitled, Harmonika.  We loved the dancing and asked Marna to come again and again.  We danced with her for many months thereafter then a chain of leaders followed in her place until this day! 

Marna also created a performance group with us “kids” and named it “Ayalah”, which means gazelle in Hebrew.  We performed at garden parties and other events throughout the Jewish community. 

I have continued to folk dance for the past 41 years, “boy does time fly!”  Israeli folk dance is wonderful exercise and connects my heart and soul to the Israeli community through its music and dance, which for me, like nothing else, does. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using only one word, it is “joy”.

I have memories that are evoked by particular music and dances taught.  Friends, teachers, times and places still come to mind when I hear the music. Marna and Dudi inspired me early on through their energy, sharing their Israeli traditions, culture, spirit and meaning of the dances.  I feel continually inspired by the hard work of our leaders today!

I have many favorite dances and enjoy the camaraderie and energy we all share together on the dance floor.

I have been fortunate to have been able to witness the “evolution” of Israeli folk dancing, at least here in Portland!  We began by using record players, then cassette tapes, then cd’s, and now everying is digital on computers.  When we began dancing, we would put the needle down on the record album, and dance the whole side of the record, turn it over and do the same thing for the other side.  I also remember getting good at picking up the needle and placing it exactly between the music tracks as we became more sophisticated and didn’t want to dance the same pattern of dances each week!  Our teacher was our only form of learning new dances, or we had to try and decipher the written steps descriptions that came with each album, that was a chore!

Today, we can learn dances from YouTube, but for me, I particularly love learning together in a group on the dance floor - that’s the true meaning of folk dancing for me. Portland is a very special place to dance.  Our group is friendly, easy-going and I feel has a special uniqueness to our community.  

My words of advice to beginners is to come and feel the music, the passion of the other dancers and join the fun - whatever you’re looking for you can find it at dance.

I have special memories of Ann.  She created a bonding and caring environment for our dance community and everyone was included.  Ann had a wonderful way to help you and to make you feel safe.  She created an extremely welcoming atmosphere that was pervasive.  I still have images - I can still see Ann dance.

I have several favorite dances - Ma Navu and Erev Ba (we always ended with this dance).  I love the old couple’s dances. Ann was my inspiration.  She was a good teacher and could break the steps down and link them together.  I remember her cute line, “It’s the other left foot”.  Ann had a welcoming and kind demeanor - everyone felt like they could do it.  She made everyone feel capable, successful and welcome.  Ann’s love for Israeli dance was contagious and joyful.  She started the request board.  Debbi is very inspiring and Sue was a very good session leader. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just a few words they would be “very spiritual - heart-felt”.

There have been changes during the past 40 years - the dances are more technical and faster. Dance does build a sense of community.  For me, part of community is learning and doing something together - a repertoire that we feel in our souls.  Learning something new together strengthens safety and trust.  Ann modeled this so beautifully.  When someone new came in, she took time to show that person the steps, which made the person feel accepted and welcome.  There was also caring among the dance community.  If a person was not present at dancing people would ask if the person was O.K.  The group was supportive of one another.  

I have always loved to dance.  Israeli dance was an expression of that.  Now it has shifted to ballroom. Allison makes Portland special - I remember when she started.  She loves the dancing. My love for Israeli folk dance is heart-felt.  No matter the music, it is always joyous.  A lot of the music is done in the minor - I love that.  Words almost destroy it.

My love is almost indescribable - joyous - heartfelt - lifts the spirit.  When you can share it with people, you have a bond.  It is amazingly powerful.  There is something so powerful seeing someone across the circle.  When you look across the circle and someone smiles at you, it’s powerful.  Holding someone’s hand, the power of touch, is something we all need.  You could trust people - it felt safe to make a mistake - there was acceptance.

My advice to beginners is to definitely go out there.  Try different venues.  Don’t be afraid.  You can find it to be incredibly joyous and uplifting and so good for your soul.  Give it a whirl. Because of the sense of community that was created back when Ann was leading, the older folk dancers can pick up where we left off and feel closely connected

The Hebrew workshop was held in the spring of 1993 at Neveh Shalom and the instructor was Rabbi Coles from Minnesota.  (I still have the coffee mug.) The workshop was challenging – I am not good at languages and Hebrew was a bit harder than my previous Spanish class.  During the day, Rabbi Coles taught us three simple folk dances.  I fell in love with the folk dances and did not continue with the Hebrew.  The workshop proved to be a life-changing event.

I showed up on Tuesday night at Café Shalom in the Jewish Community Center.  Dudi was the session leader and I asked him to play the dances I had learned.  I had no idea there were more than 4,000 dances – I had discovered a whole new world.  I was overwhelmed.  I had never danced before and am not very athletic or coordinated.  I found it hard to just follow behind and learn the dances.   Dudi said that he taught on Thursday nights – I signed up for his 10-week session on the spot.

I have danced for the past 20 years and I love it.  I love the music, the dance, the people, the sense of community and the warmth I feel from my fellow dancers.  I feel comfortable – I have found my place. If I had to describe Israeli dance in just one word it would be “joyous”.

There are so many wonderful memories.  I remember Dudi teaching us Le’Orech Hatayelet in the basement of the Jewish Community Center.  He always talked about each dance and what it meant.  The title of this dance translated into English means dancing on the promenade.  I remember saying to myself I am going to Israel and I am going to dance this dance on the promenade in Tel Aviv.  

Six years later, I travelled to Israel with my friend, BethAmi and we danced Le’Orech Hatayelet on the promenade in Tel Aviv.  We also received an invitation to dinner from Dudi’s mother, who lives near Tel Aviv.  We went to the home where Dudi grew up, met his relatives, heard stories about his childhood and saw photos in his old bedroom - it was a very special evening.  We also stayed with Tsvika and Shoshi, our dance friends in Haifa.  We went dancing in Haifa and saw a very surprised look on Avi ‘s face as we passed him on the dance floor.  We danced in Jerusalem and it was so special to be able to dance together with a group of people you don’t know.

All of our session leaders have been wonderful.  Dudi is an excellent teacher.  He loves Israeli folk dance and he wants you to love it.  He used to tell me “just move your feet and have fun” – that’s all he really cared about.  He was an excellent session leader and always knew when someone was struggling, what dances to play and what were the favorite dances of each of his dancers.

Allison, Donna and William are also excellent session leaders and teachers.  They each have the same passion for folk dance and have wonderful, warm welcoming personalities.  Allison does a great job in celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions – her brownies are the best. My favorite dances are Le’Orech Hatayelet and Eilat because of my trip to Israel.  I like Shirat Hanavad because the music speaks to my soul.  I love dancing Tefani Li Ktzat Makom with Brian.

There is always change  - it is a natural phenomenon.  The music has changed – the dances are more challenging – people come and go, but there are still the regulars.  I like learning the new dances but also like it when the session leaders play some of the old dances.  I do miss the Saturday night parties – they were fun.   I also miss dancing at the Jewish Community Center.

Our dance group is very special to me – there is a strong sense of community – a feeling of belonging.  It is such a positive place to be.  Debbi has helped build our community by planning and organizing B’Yachad each year.  It is a special time to come together to dance, laugh, talk, pray and enjoy the company of others.  

I love Israeli folk dance – I love everything about it.  I love the music, the dance, the people, the handholding, the culture and the connectedness.  Dance relieves my stress – I cannot have thoughts go through my mind and dance at the same time.  Dance forces me to live in the moment – a valuable and healthy way to experience life.  Dance is also a very humbling experience for me.  I am a slow learner and it takes me longer to learn new dances.  I just keep trying and I definitely keep my sense of humor.  

Dance has changed my life.  I have made wonderful, lasting friendships.  I have an overwhelming love for Judaism and a special love for Israel. My words of advice to beginners are to have fun and keep your sense of humor. 

Israeli folk dancing in Portland has built a sense of community within our dance groups.  The beauty and meaning of the music along with the choreographed movements brings us together in a special way.  Everyone can participate joyfully in the same activity, joining hands, singing, seeing each other two or three times a week, honoring our differences and learning new dances together.  Over the years, our dance community has become like a special dance family - this folk tradition and dance celebration has forged our unique connection.

I grew up in Portland and I started dance training when I was four.  I studied ballet for 14 years, and my formal training provided me with opportunities to teach ballet, and to work as choreographer for competitive high school dance performance marching bands and musical theater productions. 

I learned my first Israeli folk dance in PE class when I was 15 years old.  When I went to college at Portland Museum Art School, I learned about the international folk dancing at Reed College and danced there for 2 years.  While I attended the University of Oregon, I was required to take PE courses.  U of O had a strong international dance program, and there were classes in Balkan, Romanian, Flamenco, Israeli, Scandinavian, and more - I think I took every folk dance class offered.  I was fascinated with the cross-cultural aspect of folk dances.  Every Friday night, international dancing (including Israeli) was held in Gerlinger Hall, and there were often up to 200 dancers participating with incredible energy.

I met my husband Warren at a youth leadership event in 1971.  We later discovered that we were both also involved in folk dancing - he danced in Eugene and I danced in Portland.  We later attended U of O, and folk dancing became a cheap and fun Friday night date!

After graduation, we got married and moved to Portland in 1975.  We danced international at Reed and Fulton, and Balkan and Hungarian at the Chalet.  When our children were young, they danced in a performance group led by Heidi Vorst.  Heidi put together a performance for a dance evening at Mittleman Jewish Community Center in 1986.  I did not know there was an Israeli folk dancing group in Portland until that night, and I knew right away that I had to be a part of this dance group - it just spoke to me.  The next week, I started Israeli dancing at the JCC.  Since I began dancing at the JCC I have been involved in the Israeli folk dance community in many ways.  I taught beginning and intermediate classes with Dudi at the JCC, and was session leader at the JCC for a time, during which I made individual tapes of each dance from the old records (two suitcases full) to facilitate programming.  For several years I directed The Cafe Shalom Dancers performing group that danced in many events in the community.  I have been teaching at the couples’ sessions for 5 years, and dancing with Melba’s group at Robison Home and Rose Manor.  I have participated in B’Yachad weekends, and workshops in our neighboring communities in Seattle and Vancouver, BC.

I have had a number of dance teachers who have inspired me.  My ballet teacher Anita Pienovi was my first inspiration - her grace and masterful instruction left me with no choice but to fall in love with dancing.  I also had many great folk dance teachers at the university who broadened my knowledge and dance skills, and helped me appreciate cultural traditions.

Dudi Amir was my most influential mentor of Israeli dancing.  During his years as session leader, the experience of taking lessons from Dudi was incredible - his knowledge and talent was evident, and his passion for Israeli dancing permeated the group.  Dudi was always open and accepting of all dancers regardless of their ability or who they were - everyone was welcomed into his group.  Dudi also taught technique and styling, bringing context and meaning to the dances.  He taught so many things about Israel, and the traditions associated with Israeli folk dancing, and living near Rivka Sturman and dancing in her group - I realized that we were closely connected to the roots of Israeli folk dancing through Dudi’s instruction.  I feel fortunate to have learned so much under his expertise for so many years as our session leader in Portland.

Dudi encouraged me to take a summer dance course for instructors in Israel, and to attend the Karmiel Festival.  He said, “Go there and then you will understand Israeli folk dancing.”  Dudi was right - I went to Israel and realized that Dudi had brought the most important Israeli folk dances to Portland.  It was amazing to realize that I had been taught everything I needed to be able to participate in folk dance sessions in Israel.

I had the privilege of teaching and co-leading the Fulton dance program with Dudi for 2 years.  As current session leader at Fulton, I am still guided by his words, “The music is the most important consideration” and also, “You just need to provide a good dance program.”

Part of my responsibility as a session leader is to be informed and to continue to educate myself.  I pay attention to what is popular in Israel and globally, and I try to bring dances with staying power.  Of course there are so many dances it can be difficult to know what to bring to Portland.  I just learn many dances and try to teach a broad range of the strongest and most important dances.

I have been dancing for so many years that I cannot choose only one favorite dance, it is even difficult to narrow it down to a few. Na’ale Na’ale (by Shmulik Gov-Ari) (by Avner Naim) is memorable, because you never go down to Israel, you only go up, and this dance portrays this with such joy. Tfilati is special for me - it is my personal prayer dance in memory of my grandparents, so I always think of them during this dance.

Bimkom Preda (by Gadi Bitton) is the first dance I learned in Israel at Gadi Bitton’s session with over 1000 dancers.  We moved gently around the floor like a school of fish, and it was a while before I realized we were dancing to live music. Ilan (by Elad Shtamer) is one of my favorite dances because the choreography speaks to my early dance roots.  This dance tells a meaningful story, and it is challenging and very expressive.

If I had to describe Israeli folk dance in one word, it would probably be “freedom.”  When I am on the dance floor, I can be free to express myself, and free of worries and responsibilities.  Once I learn the specific dance steps, I can just go into the moment with the music, meaning, movements and choreography.

My advice to a beginning dancer is simply do not give up, and commit to at least four months to build your muscle memory.  Just keep at it, and in a few months you will know a lot of dances, even though it won’t feel like it at first.  I think learning Israeli folk dances is like TV commercials - once you experience them enough times, you will know them completely - and always.

I think of Israeli folk dancing as a flowing river with constantly changing waters and currents, yet still the same river.  It is exciting to be a part of this living and thriving tradition and I want to keep moving fluidly with the current and keep a sense of wonder at what is yet to come. It is a privilege and honor to be part of this amazing dance circle, and I am truly grateful to dance with each and every Israeli folk dancer in Portland

I remember dancing Etzai Hatzaftzafot, a couple’s dance with then, the very young dance teacher, Naftali Kadosh. I had so much fun.  When I was 19, I was an officer in the Israeli army and my job was to visit the different Kibbutzim in the area to check up on soldiers.  I would plan my visit to the various Kibbutzim depending on what night they danced.

I came to Portland in December 1986 and started dancing at the MJCC shortly after that.  I met Debbi, Tsiporo, Mark and others with whom I quickly became friends.   Mark did flogging and I did tap dancing - I remember the two of us performing on the stage for Israeli dance night…I also danced with the Jefferson dancers during their classes.  Debbi and I went to dance workshops in Wisconsin and Ashland… what times, what adventures!I have kept dancing for the past 40 years because I love it. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “therapy”.It is therapy for the mind and soul.

Portland is a special place to dance because it’s a small group that is loyal to the Israel folk dancing concepts.  In Portland people come to dance to be with other people - they are comfortable with each other.  It is not about the masses - it’s about friendships. The special Portland memory I have is Rhythm Northwest - I loved it - it was beautiful.  Rhythm NW was a high caliber workshop with good instructions, excellent food and hotel accommodations.  

William and Donna both inspire me.  William was the first session leader I knew who was non Jewish, but loved Israeli folk dance.  For an Israeli, this is not necessarily taken for granted.  He didn’t understand the words or culture, but something within his spirit connected to Israeli folk dance.  And I love it! Donna is another example of a terrific instructor who connects with Israeli folk dance on the soul level.  She is graceful and such a mensch.  I love going to her sessions. My favorite dance (Candi always requests this dance) is Shanti.  It means to be easy - go with the flow.  Something I always need to work on!  I taught it to teenagers.

There have been changes over the past 40 years.  We are getting older and need to attract more young people to dancing.  I think we need to find a young dancer/teacher that connects with the teenagers and young adults in the area and attracts them to dance. Dance creates a sense of community.  Smaller groups of friends form within the larger group.  I have gained a small, but trustworthy group of friends that I respect and I enjoy their company.

I love Israeli folk dance.  Every Sunday or Tuesday (when it was at the MJCC) I would tell my family that this is my holy night - that I needed this time to get my energy of life.  I teach teenagers and one assignment was to describe yourself using an adjective that begins with the same letter of your first name - I am “The Dancing Dorice”.

I taught Israeli folk dance to all students at the PJA for seven years.  It was fun and I liked the connection with the students.  I currently teach kindergarten through twelfth grade at Shaarie Torah.  And my son and daughter taught and teach dance at the religious school. My advice to beginners is “If you can move, you can dance”.  I am very proud of my children.  My daughter and son teach Israeli folk dance in Sunday school - my daughter in Eugene and my son in Portland.

I met Melba at the JCC and she asked me to join her performing group called the Café Shalom dancers.  I began dancing regularly at the Jewish Community Center and also became part of the performing group.  Our performance group has danced monthly at the Robison Home for the past 20 years and now we dance every other month at the Rose Schnitzer Manor Home.  I also started dancing at Fulton Park Community Center where Dudi was the session leader.  

The Portland dancers are very friendly, open and welcoming to everybody.  Some of the best Portland memories are of special events – the Northwest dancers workshop held at the Sheraton, and of course, B’Yachad. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “Joy”.

All of the session leaders are inspiring in their own individual ways.  I enjoy it when they bring choreographers to our group and when they travel to other dance communities and bring back new dances.  William was very helpful when I was learning to dance – he would dance next to me and teach me the steps. Avi does a good job in leading the couple’s session.  Donna and Allison are both good teachers.  Dudi adds a special dimension - he is from Israel, the source – the spiritual center of our dancing. I have kept dancing for the past 20 years because it is joyful and is a form of worship.

One of my favorite dances is Lo Chashuv – I taught this dance to our group.  The words mean, “it doesn’t matter – just have fun”. There have been a number of changes over the years – people have come and gone – there is new music and new dances.  The dances have changed and are more sophisticated.  I enjoy the challenge of learning new dances – I like the mental stimulation and I like the progression of the dances.  I like the creativity of the choreographers, who have a G_d given gift.

Israeli folk dance creates a sense of community – it promotes friendships, brotherly love and it’s wonderful to enjoy the company of like-minded people.  It is a clean, positive way for people to have fun and exercise. l ove Israeli folk dance because it creates unity among diversity.  It is the physical expression of joy. My advice to beginners is to realize Israeli folk dancing is for fun – don’t worry about it - don’t take it seriously – it took everyone time to learn.

I did not dance again until I was in the Army.  I was  21 years old and stationed in Haifa.  I started dancing once a week with Yankale Levy.  I really liked Yankale and fell in love with dance once again.  After the army, I moved to the United States and went to Buffalo State University.  I danced once a week at the university and participated in their performing group.  I went back to Israel and went to school in Israel Va’ad Hapoel with Tircha Hodes for two years to become a certified dance instructor – it was fun.   I received my certificate after two years.  I danced with Mishael Barzilai twice a week and with Tellem at Tel Aviv University.

I moved to Portland in 1987 and started dancing at the Jewish Community Center. Hoa was the leader.  I brought dances from Israel and taught them to the group.  Hoa left in 1988 and I became the leader.  We had a very solid group of dancers.  For a short time period, there was also dancing twice a week at Neveh Shalom and Raleigh Hills Elementary School.  I started Israeli Folk Dancing at Fulton Park Community Center on Sunday nights in 1998.  I have been a leader and instructor for 22 years.  

I have kept dancing all this time because of the energy I get from the group itself each night of dancing. The more people who came dancing, the more it would energize me and drive me to teach and review dancing more and more. The Portland dancers are very special.  We have a good group – there is a good balance between traditional dances and new dances.  The Portland group does not have to learn many new dances – we are selective and learn the quality dances.

There have been many changes during the past 30 years.  In the past, the instructor had to write down the steps and memorize the dance. I used to carry a big box with records for each night of dancing. There were no videos on the Internet for the instructor to view.  The leader had complete control – now, everyone can find dances on the Internet and learn that way.  In the past, we learned the dances for enjoyment – today learning the dance is the challenge and after learning it the dancers are looking for the new challenge.  We used to dance couples with the person next to us – now, many people prearrange partners for the couples set.

The Portland group has nice leaders and nice dancers.  In other cities, there are arguments about which and how dances are supposed to be done – steps, hands raised, etc.  The Portland group is much more laid back and very welcoming to new people. I love Israeli folk dance and I want others to love it also.  Israeli folk dance is not just dancing – it is a reflection of the Israeli culture, its heritage, religion, people, history, language, music and dance.  My advice to beginners is to just love it – have fun, move your feet without thinking so much, and as long as you don’t step on your partner, you are fine.

Israeli folk dance became my expression of music. I danced ballroom and social dancing while I attended San Diego State College.  I even took an Israeli folk dance class off from campus – if there was something to do, I did it – I wanted to do everything.

I moved back to Los Angelas and saw a performance group, Nirkoda, perform at a synagogue.  After their performance, we were invited to dance with the performers. The director invited me to audition and I joined the performance group. I also went social dancing several days a week at Café Dansa.  

I travelled to Israel in 1980 and met my wife.  We moved to Los Angeles for one year and then moved to Albuquerque in 1982.  I raised a family, started a business and didn’t dance during the 1980s.  I moved to Portland in 1990 – the only person I knew was Emily Gottfried – I had known her in Albuquerque.  I went dancing at the Jewish Community Center.  Elie was the guest leader for a short while and then Dudi became the session leader.  I didn’t know any of the dances because during the 1980s they choreographed 1,000s of new dances.  I met Debbi and we started doing couples dances together.

I have kept dancing for the past 40 years because I love the music and it is my expression of Judaism through the music.  I love the community – I love knowing that dancers all over the world perform the same steps.  Israeli folk dance is the only form of dance that is community based and danced in a circle.  It is danced in a circle because of its complexity so we can rely on each other’s knowledge. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “exuberance”.

My favorite Portland memories are of my daughters.  I started a performance group called Pnai Malach.  There were 12 people in our group including my two daughters, Sylvia and Becca.  Moshe and Becca were also in the group.  We represented Israel in the Rose Parade, performed at Pioneer Square, at Reed College and led dances at Bar Mitzvahs and weddings.  

I love to dance – I love Israeli folk dance, waltz, contra, zydeco, Irish and the blues.    No other community parallels Portland for opportunities to dance.  Portland is the largest community outside of Argentina for the Tango.  Portland also has the greatest fencers in the world and has produced Olympian fencers.  I fenced when I was in college and was the Oregon State champion for fencers over the age of forty in 1998.

Portland is a special place to dance because people are happier here.  Our group is exceptional.  We all have a responsibility to each other.  What we do on the dance floor is what Judaism does – it takes it from the mundane and raises it to the holy – it is prayer on the dance floor – a connection.  Our local group of dancers sees new people as an addition - in some places the dancers are only concerned that a new person might get in their way. I appreciate Donna and Allison for their weekly commitment that makes Israeli dancing in Portland possible.   

When I lived in Los Angeles, I was very impressed with Israeli choreographer, Israel Yakovee for being such a beautiful, fluid dancer.  I’m also impressed with Dani Dassa – a great choreographer and session leader. My favorite dance is Chavel She at Lo Kan.  It is a couple’s dance I learned at B’Yachad and is performed as a waltz.

Dance creates a sense of community.  We are all in the same room – celebrating holidays and birthdays – making friends – inviting others into our homes. I love Israeli folk dance and it starts with the music.  I fall in love with a song and then learn the steps and that closes the circle.  I can dance it when driving or walking.  It is good for the mind using our higher levels of thought.

My advice to beginners is that Israeli dance is not the easiest form of dance.  It takes patience, but it is good for the mind and body and compliments most other physical activities.  What separates a dancer from a non-dancer is that a dancer has progressed past the feeling of foolishness that we all experience in the beginning.

 Almost all my family members and friends – 75 of them were dancing.  It was so much fun – Eric mentioned that there was dancing on Tuesday night at the Jewish Community Center so I had to sign up.

Becca and I enrolled in classes at the JCC – our teacher was Sara.  The only dance we knew was Ma Navu.  William and Allison were the session leaders – they rotated every other week.  I danced every Tuesday night and then someone told me there was dancing at Fulton Park on Sunday night.  I started dancing there as well.

I have kept dancing for the past 14 years because of my love for dance – it is a passion.  I enjoy dancing with my friends and it is good exercise.  I also like to learn new dances.  I feel that I am needed here as part of the circle of dancers – I bring good energy to the group - we all need each other – we all need to fill the circle. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it is “joy”.

I have wonderful memories.  I remember going to Israel when I was 17 and we danced late at night.  I didn’t know many of the dances, but I enjoyed it.  I went back to Israel last December and it was an incredible experience.  I danced in Jerusalem and I knew almost all the dances.  I loved every minute of it.  It was incredible to go into a room full of people – I didn’t know anyone, but I knew the dances and I became part of the circle and danced with them.  

I have a number of Portland memories.  I remember first learning the dances and going to Café Shalom – William, Jonathan Didner and others were there.  I have wonderful memories of B’Yachad – it was the only time I went on vacation every year – it was a huge treat.  I especially remember the weekend workshop at the Sheraton hotel sponsored by Dorice and Robin.  I remember sitting at the table and Debbi said she remembered babysitting me when I was a baby – it was a very special moment – a special connection.  I also became aware that I knew her husband’s nephews – more connections.

The session leaders have been wonderful.  They have all inspired me.  Allison with her energy and positive way to teach – Sara could call out the steps and tell you what you did wrong – William with his dance ability and his humor – Dudi with his big smile and big bounce in his step, he made it personal, he enjoyed it and wanted everyone to enjoy it and he always welcomed beginners.  Donna inspires me with her wonderful graceful enthusiasm, her encouragement, and her friendliness.  I especially like it when our session leaders go to Israel and bring back new dances. My favorite dance is Ma Navu – I love it – it is the first dance I learned.  I also like Shiro Shel Tzanchan, the parachute dance.

There have been a number of changes over the years.  People come and go – Jonathan, Robin.  People grow up like my niece Becca and get married.  The locations have changed – I miss dancing at the Jewish Community Center – I used to connect with people there – non-dancers that I hadn’t seen for awhile.

I have been part of the Café Shalom performance group for the past 10 years.  It has been wonderful – we dance for the residents at the Robison Home and Rose Schnitzer Manor.  The residents love it – we talk to them afterwards.  They tell us that we are their favorite entertainment. 

Dance has built a sense of community.  We see each other twice a week – it is not only a dance session – it is spiritual.  B’Yachad has made us a closer community – we have a chance to talk and get to know each other. Portland is special because of our leaders – they not only lead us in dance, but we also celebrate the Jewish holidays and incorporate Israeli culture.

I love Israeli folk dance – it is a way of life – it is important to me – a necessity.  It is fun – it is a high priority and it provides a fun way to exercise. My words of advice to beginners is at first it may seem confusing, but if you learn one or two steps each week then you can build upon it.  Don’t give up – just keep trying.  Once you learn some of the patterns, it is easier to learn new dances.

 In fact, it's kind of funny, the only reason I was able to finish my degree on time was because when I learned I needed a PE class in order to graduate, I was able to take Sunni Bloland’s dance class for two quarters. I fondly remember learning Erev Ba.

We moved to Portland a year ago and went to Allison's the first or second week after arriving. What kept me dancing all these years is my obsession with dance. Many of my best friends are dancers I’ve met through the years.

Portland is a special place to dance because there is so much opportunity here. Having just come from the California Central Coast where the dances are often very slow and easy, there's more variety and challenge in the dances here.

I would describe Israeli folk dance using one word as “joyous”. 

The Portland memory that stands out for me is the B’Yachad Israeli dance camp. I only went for one night because I wanted to do all of the oldies. We danced Thursday afternoon and Friday morning before the camp officially started and that was a dream for me. It was great. 

The teacher that most inspired me to dance was Loui Tucker. We danced with her International group every Thursday night for many years. She's one of the best teachers I've ever seen.

The dances I like most are the oldies because I've been doing them for so long. I love dances like Shiru Hashir and Kareem Lanu LaLechet. They are just fun. 

The changes I have seen over the years are that the new dances seem very repetitive, and there's a lot of hand movements that I'm not crazy about. The biggest change I've seen is just the fact that I started as a teenager and there seems to be very few young dancers today.

For me, dance has built a sense of community because my best friends are dancers and that's how I met them. It’s all about dancing, we dancers travel together and travel to be together. 

Israeli Folk Dance is good for the brain, good for the soul and it’s fun.

The advice I would give to a beginner Israeli Folk dancer is to practice. There are two things I always tell people: One is just to dance, so it doesn't matter, just keep moving, it’s just a dance; and, the other thing is that there are no mistakes, there are only solos. When somebody said that to me for the first time, I relaxed.

I have been in many performance groups.  In junior high school I started with the Young Judaea performance group in Brooklyn; in high school with the National Young Judaea we danced in the Israel Folk Dance Festival at Carnegie Hall.  I was in a number of groups in New York and California.  We performed in the Felt Forum and Lincoln Center in New York, the Music Center and Ford Theater in Los Angeles, the first dance festival in Karmiel, Israel, the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow and many other places.  I have been dancing in Portland for the past seven years.

One special memory I have is meeting my wife, Shani, at Israeli folk dance.  I was co-leading a vintage Israeli folk dance group in Los Angeles and she came to dance there.  We’ve danced together ever since.

Several Israeli dance teachers inspired me.  I admired Fred Berk - he was my mentor.  I received leadership training from him, was in his performing group Hebraica and taught with him. Neil Golin inspired me - he was the Young Judaea performance group leader.  He taught me how to lead, choreograph and prepare to dance in a festival with live music.  He wanted our group to be prepared to dance to any music the band might mistakenly play including the Star Spangled Banner. Occasionally learning dances from Moshiko was a thrill.  His choreographies were always very interesting. My favorite dance is Hinach Yaffa from Song of Songs - it was my wedding dance.  I also like Bat Teman and Debka Uriah, also known as Debka Habir - it is a strong dance.

There have been a tremendous number of new dances in the last twenty years and in my opinion the percentage of good dances is lower than in the past.  The older Israeli folk dances were easier to follow - the dances had more of a structure.  I am not thrilled with the newer line dances.

Dance creates a sense of community.  Dancers visit with each other, become friends and spend other activities together outside of dance.   Some people including myself meet their spouses at dance.

Israeli folk dance is part of me and I can’t ever stay away for long.  I have danced, taught and performed for 50 years.  I edited a book written by Fred Berk.  I enjoy researching the history of dances, sometimes to answer people’s questions.  Last year I was asked to teach old dances in New York - dances that were 60 years old.  I had to research and review some of them that had not been done for a while.  Recently, I also have compiled an online list of dances that were choreographed to music whose words come from the Bible.

My advice for beginners is to learn the fundamental steps.  They are used in many dances.  If you know these fundamental steps, it will help to learn new dances.  Learn the basics and don’t worry if you don’t learn a dance perfectly, as long as you don’t step too hard on someone else’s foot.

After my husband and I moved to Portland in 1973, I saw an ad in the newspaper advertising Israeli folk dancing, $.50 per session, at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center.  I went there right away.  I took a beginner’s class to learn the basics.  Sue Wendel was the teacher.

I danced in Portland from 1973 to 1987.  There are so many Israeli folk songs with beautiful melodies, and it’s double enjoyment to hear the melodies and to dance to them.  You don’t have to have great abilities to folk dance.  Anyone can folk dance, or learn how.  Yes, there are dances that are more complicated than others, but you can start by doing the ones that are not too difficult and then challenge yourself to learn more intricate dances.

Ann Fischer and Sue Wendel inspired me.  They were fun, nice and friendly. I began as a session leader after Ann became ill.  I watched Sue and Ann teach classes, and thought that looked like so much fun to be able to encourage and teach people how to dance.  They were so kind and patient.

There have been changes during the past 40 years.  The new dances are much more challenging, which is good for seasoned dancers, but can be intimidating for beginners.  New dances today reflect our society.  Many of them repeat only twice.  People are impatient; they want to move on to the next dance.  I am from the old school; I like dances to repeat 3 times.

Dance does create a sense of community.  I moved away 22 years ago, but am still connected to folk dance friends. I have kept dancing for the past 40 years because of my love of music, love of dance, and great exercise. Portland is special because of the very friendly and welcoming people.

In 1961, Pearl held an International Folk Dance camp at Reed College and I was the chief student assistant.  Kurt Markstein, an Israeli then living in the SF Bay area, was one of the instructors, and introduced me to higher-level Israeli dancing.

Pearl subscribed Reed College to the Oregon Folk Dance Federation in 1961, and used that membership to get me the 1962 OFDF scholarship to Stockton Camp.  I was the first of her students to benefit from this award. At Stockton, I met Ruth Browns, the Israeli teacher for that year. 

The week after the camp I went with Ruth to San Francisco couch-surfed with her dancers.  There I met Fred Berk, who was doing a series of workshops for Ruth.   Fred couldn’t dance because of a physical disability and would teach by talking, using local Israeli dancers to demonstrate - a practice he perfected over 25 years of experience.  I joined Ruth’s dancers as part of the demonstration team, and therefore got intense instruction from Fred.  At those sessions, Fred was introducing material his brand-new, first Tikva record, T-69 Dance with Sabras.  Because of that, I was the first person to bring that record to Portland and to teach the dances on it.  Fred started an Israeli dance camp at Camp Blue Star in Hendersonville, NC.  I attended that camp in 1968, 1970, and 1971, and became the Los Angeles correspondent for his quarterly Israeli Folk Dance magazine, HORA. 

Coming back to my Israeli dance experience in Portland, I taught advanced dancing for Pearl from 1961 through 1964.  In 1963, I taught teenagers at the Jewish Community Center for 6 weeks.  Pearl arranged that.  I also had an Israeli performing group for two years in 1963 and 1964.  Our name was Bli Na’Alayim, which literally means “without shoes.”  We danced barefoot, and I called one of the Portland rabbis to get the Hebrew for “barefoot,” so that is how we got our name.

I graduated in 1964 and went to North Carolina for graduate school.  I started the Chapel Hill International Folk dance - it still exists.  I also had an Israeli performing group there.  I went to France for my postdoctoral degree and I taught Israeli and international folk dance, including an Israeli choreography for an international dance festival at the University of Aix-en-Provence.  Upon returning to the United States, I directed and choreographed a full-length folk dance concert with Israeli, Balkan, and French acts.  While living in France, I visited Israel for the first time.  There, because Israel is such a small community, I was introduced to Ayalah Goren (Gurit Kadmon’s daughter) and was able to accompany her for a week as she travelled around the country, teaching dance; through her, I met her mother and Rivka Sturman.  I later lived for a year (1980-81) in Haifa, where I danced in Benzi Tiram’s recreational group and taught Balkan and Scandinavian workshops in Jerusalem.

I moved to Los Angeles in 1970, where I taught international and Israeli dance, and in 1971 formed Los Angeles Hebraica, an Israeli folk dance performing group.  When Gary Fox (now a Portland Israeli dancer) moved to Los Angeles, he joined LA Hebraica and took over when I stopped teaching at the Westside Israeli recreational group.

Any discussion about Israeli dance in Portland must include a recognition of Pearl Atkinson’s important contributions.  Pearl and her sister Hildred Rice were instrumental in the development of Israeli folk dance in Oregon - Pearl in Portland and Hildred in Corvallis.  Pearl taught dances at the Jewish Community Center and sponsored a number of visits from major Israeli teachers, including her personal friend Rivka Sturman.  As a dance teacher, Pearl was unique.  She was my first folk dance teacher and recognized that while I wasn’t very good yet, I had a passion, so she provided opportunities for me to learn and develop as a skilled dancer, teacher, performer, and master teacher.  I stayed in touch with her from my first year at Reed in 1960 until her death in 2005 at the age of 91, Pearl touched many people in many ways.  She was internationally oriented, cosmopolitan, a homebody, an associate professor of PE, an instructor and above all a promoter of movement and dance.  She recognized talent and fostered it, having no sense of ownership but instead a desire to expand the dance world.  She started the faculty folk dance group at Reed.  She attended Stockton dance camps regularly, even after her participating was more sitting and watching than being on the dance floor.  She never lost her love of dance.

Turning to Israeli dance in general, there have been many changes since it came into being immediately before Israeli independence.  At the beginning, Rivka Sturman and others choreographed dances for all the people coming to Israel from all over the world.  The dances were choreographed to bring people together - they were easy and they drew together different styles and influences - the Hora from Europe - Yemenite and Arabic from the Middle East.

In later years, Israeli folk dance was taken over by people who are focused on the youth - these newer dances were not based on the roots, but on pop culture.  The dances turned into a competitive thing - the choreographers were competing with each other to attract fans.  The music is fast, frenetic - living on the edge.  The change doesn’t sit well with me; my original association with Israeli dancing was an expression of my Jewish identity, but the later material doesn’t speak to me as a Jew.  I therefore prefer the older dances, and in Portland would really like to see an Oldies night once a month.  My favorite Israeli dances are Yemenite couple dances:  Dodi Li, El Ginat Egoz, Orcha Bamidbar, and Ki Tinam  I also enjoy Debki, especially Moshiko’s Debkat Ha’Abir.

Diane Betcher challenged me to describe Israeli folk dance in one word.  I cannot do that; Israeli folk dance is a fusion of exercise, culture, movement, music and social interaction.  And that is what makes it special.  Israeli dance creates a sense of community.  People who share dance do other things with friends. Holding hands is very important.  We come from all over the world and we need to hold hands to be together.  

Finally, my advice to beginners is as you start don’t be self-conscious.  It is fun, if you permit yourself to relax.  Once you start enjoying it, never stop enjoying it and never lose sight of the fact that it is there to be enjoyed.

I have kept dancing for the past 19 years for many reasons, one of which is the spirituality in the dancing that we do.  Dance became a passion for me. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “joy”. I have one special memory.  At my wedding, eight years ago, many of my dance friends attended and we had Israeli folk dancing at my wedding reception.  It was so much fun - everyone enjoyed it - it was a highlight for me.

Portland is special because of our leadership. The session leaders have been wonderful - they are consistent, dedicated and they are there for us.  Dudi demonstrates joy - watching him dance is infectious.  He cares for all of us and he wants us to be happy.  Dudi is very good at keeping some of the traditional dances alive and choosing new dances that have lasting value.

Donna is so strong - I admire the way she dances and she is a good teacher.  Allison is an encouraging teacher - you can tell that she has danced all of her life.  She is so easy to follow and learn from.  I feel I have a special connection with her.  William was an excellent teacher - he used to say, “Stop thinking” - it helped me, the dance would sink in after awhile. I’m so grateful to have learned and have had all the teachers - I’ve grown so much through dance.  I’m so happy to be able to participate at dance at all the different venues.

I have taught Israeli folk dance at my synagogue once a week for the past eight years.  I love teaching.  I’m selective in choosing which dances to teach. Two of my favorite dances are Shabechi Yerushalyim because it is well choreographed and worshipful and I like Ani Ma’amin because it is joyful.

There have been changes during the past 20 years.  We have all gotten older and I’m sure we will all keep dancing as long as we can.  I miss dancing at the JCC and the connections with the rest of the community. Dance does build a sense of community - it builds connections with other people.  If someone is not at dance, people notice and are concerned.

I love Israeli folk dance.  My life is not right if I miss dance.  I don’t feel normal.  I love the exercise, the joy, the music, the relationships and the spiritual expression through movement - it is uplifting, better than any therapist. My advice for beginners is to not be discouraged by how hard it is.  Rewards will come soon - everyone goes through this learning phase - it’s worth staying with it.

In 1966, I was a sophomore in high school at Catlin Gabel.  I had a new chemistry teacher that year - Bill Nelson.  I was required to take a PE credit, but wasn’t into soccer, basketball or other sports.  Bill offered an alternative which he called “Greek Folk Dancing.”  There was some Greek and Balkan, but at least as much Israeli.  I enjoyed this class, although I found out later that Bill’s version of Israeli dancing was  “creative.”

Bill was a Reed College alumnus, and he invited a group of Catlin students to dance at Reed.  This was a large, well-attended International folk dance session, held in the Student Union.  There was considerable Israeli dance, along with Greek, Balkan and Scandinavian.  I preferred the Israeli dance partly because I’m Jewish, but also because Israeli dance involves the entire body, as opposed to Balkan which utilizes just the legs.  I continued dancing at Reed - it was enjoyable, energetic, and very popular.

Unfortunately, around 1972 there was a new head of the Reed College student union, who, for whatever her reasons, decided to terminate International Dance.  We moved to the women’s gym, but this was never as good or popular as it had been in the student union.  Bill started a group at Lewis and Clark but the location was not good.  There were numerous posts in the room, which made active dancing virtually impossible.  As a result, Bill then moved that small group to the amphitheater at Washington Park, which was a very good venue during the summer.  At about the same time, an International folk dance group started at PSU, but it was light on Israeli dance and I didn’t continue. 

Finally, Bill was able to make some good bureaucratic connections with the Portland Park Bureau and started folk dance at Fulton Park on Sunday nights, where it has continued ever since.  About 20 years ago, Dudi Amir took over as the Israeli leader at Fulton.  He was truly talented and inspirational - an excellent dancer and programmer, whose presence is still missed.  We were privileged to have him as leader for many years.

The new Mittleman Jewish Community Center opened shortly before 1972.  Marna Kleinman decided to start an Israeli group at the new JCC.  Her grandfather, Rabbi Kleinman, had prepared me for Bar Mitzvah years before.  Marna taught an Israeli folk dance class, which was followed by an open dance session.  She was an energetic and very effective folk dance leader.  We danced barefoot, the traditional way - despite the concrete floor!

Soon, Marna also started an Israeli performance group called Ayalah (Gazelle).  I was a member of this group for about three years, along with Debbi, Sue, Clay, Dalia and others.  We performed at the JCC, at the Robison Home and numerous other locations around Portland.  I still remember one old gentleman at the Robison.  At the time, he was 98 years old - the oldest resident.  He told me that he was originally from Russia and was a freedom fighter in 1905 and then in 1917 he fought in the Russian Revolution.  Most of the residents just sat and watched us perform, but this man got up and started dancing at one of our performances - despite his very advanced age.  I asked him his secret - why he was in such good shape.  He told me that he made himself move a lot and that, “If you stop moving, you become petrified.”

In 1975, I went to Rochester, New York to live with Dalia Goldschmidt, whom I had met a year earlier at the JCC.  We danced in Rochester on a weekly basis.  The group was led by an excellent instructor named David Valentine.  David taught many very good new dances which were being created at that time.  Before then, I had known only the old traditional dances.

When I returned to Portland in 1976, Folk dancing was gone at Reed, but was alive and well at both the JCC and Fulton Park.  Hoa was the session leader at the JCC at that time.  She was instrumental in bringing choreographers such as Moshiko to Portland.  From that point on, however, I became more involved in my real estate business and did less dancing, though I have continued off-and-on all this time. Portland is special, but so was Rochester and Seattle.  However, I did not like dancing in Los Angeles.  The leaders in L.A. dropped the traditional dances - even good dances which were only a couple of years old - in favor of the “Israeli top 40.”  This was a complaint shared by Dudi.

I love Israeli folk dance - it is unique in many ways.  It draws on the cultural influences that Jews brought to Israel from all parts of the world.  Yet the basic steps and melodies have roots that go back to Biblical times.  The diversity of dances is quite exceptional it is good - PAINLESS - exercise; and is also a great social venue for all generations. 

There have been many changes over the last 40 years. The repertoire has certainly exploded.  But what I find - and I’ve discussed this with Dudi on a number of occasions - is that the overall quality of the choreography is not what it was.  This is not to say that there aren’t some great dances being introduced; but they are more like rare gems, whereas before we shared in a treasure chest.  Inspiration has too often been replaced by volume and complexity.  The dances, which were choreographed in the 70’s and 80’s, were not difficult to learn or retain - they were meant to be danced by everyone - i.e. FOLK DANCES.  On returning from more than one instructors’ workshop, Dudi told me that the volume and complexity of these new creations was difficult even for him to keep up with - and as we all know, he was essentially a world-class Israeli dancer.

Some people can learn and maintain all of the latest dances and like the constant change; but I believe that most people would prefer a more select, stable and higher quality repertoire.  While there is a group that is excited and capable of learning all of the new dances, I and many others would prefer to learn only the very best new dances and keep the best older dances going.  This was Dudi’s orientation - he was basically a traditionalist who was selective about adding only the best new dances to our repertoire.  Perhaps because of this, when he was leading, there was a larger attendance at Fulton Park. We all remember the double circles and nights when there was hardly enough room to do the active dances.  This was also true of past leaders including Marna, Mimi Epstein, Dee Wolf, Ann Fischer and Hoa.  I would like to see that level of participation return.  But because of the vast expansion of Israeli dances, I think it would require more selective programming with inclusion of many of the great older dances, which we scarcely - if ever - do anymore.

A good start would be more frequent “Oldies Nights.”  I would like to see this occur routinely once per month.  These events have always been popular and well attended. My advice to beginners is to attend the first hour of Donna’s session at Fulton Park (starting at 8:00 PM on Sunday nights) in order to learn the traditional dances or attend Allison’s beginner’s class (starting at 7:00 PM on Wednesday nights) at the MJCC.  They are both very good teachers.

I have danced for the past 28 years because I enjoy it. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “lively”.

I have two special memories - I met my wife, Lynda, at dance in 1986.  We were married three years later in 1989.  I also remember that the Simcha choir sang at our wedding.  Dorice and Sue Wendel were part of the choir. I have other fun memories of dance.  I remember going out after dance on Sunday night and staying out until way after midnight.  I remember when Bill used to celebrate our birthdays and he would give us one of his used books.  It was always a little different - you never knew what strange book you would get.  Bill used to do his own choreography - I remember watching Bill and his wife Susan dance to his choreographed pieces.

The session leaders have all been good.   I loved the way Hoa taught dances - she would sing as she called out the steps - it helped to hear the melody while you were learning the dance. There have been changes during the past 28 years.  We are growing old together and we need more young people.

I think dance does create a sense of community, but for me I’m usually too busy dancing and I can’t talk while I dance. I like Israeli folk dance - it is fun, enjoyable and good exercise. My advice to beginners is to take a class - it is a good way to learn the dances.

I have danced for the past 18 years but on a regular basis for the past 11 years.  Before that I had two more children and was only able to attend on a sporadic basis.  I have kept dancing because I love the dances – they are hard, but not too hard.  I get a special feeling when I learn a new dance – when “I get it”.   Dancing is not just a “mommy break” - it is my passion. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “varied”.  So many types of dances are included in a dance session.

I have special memories of the dance parties that we used to have on Saturday nights.  There was one party I remember in particular because Dorice had put a world map on the wall and every time we did a dance, she took a pin and put it into the map in the country where the dance had originated.  There were pins everywhere – it was amazing - the dances were from all over the world.

The session leaders have been so loyal in keeping our dance group going.  Allison is a good teacher – she really explains it well and dances with such style; I love how Donna dances with such grace; William is a beautiful dancer and Dudi is Israeli and brings his culture to our group.

I think Portland is a special place to dance.  Visitors who come here like our Portland group.  Our dancers are very gracious and we make everybody feel welcome.  We feel the music and enjoy it - no one is critical. My favorite dances are the fast, energetic ones and the beautiful, graceful dances.

There have been changes during the past 20 years.  I remember when the leader used tapes and there were long breaks between the songs; now we have one dance after another. Dance does create a sense of community because we see each other every week and we get to know each other on a low-key basis.  B’Yachad is special and has allowed us to get to know each other more.

Because of Allison’s Tuesday night sessions, I realized how important dance is in my life.  I was a non-dancer and dance is like a therapy session – it makes me so happy.  I’m crazy about it – the best thing that’s ever happened.  I wouldn’t be the same person without it.   I just love it.  I can feel the beautiful music and dance.  It also has helped my mind flow better and has helped my thinking and memory. My advice to beginners is not to take it too seriously.  Also, it is helpful to take a class.

Since then I have danced in Israel and the US., on both coasts, in cities and camps, at workshops and festivals, with all the most famous choreographers. I met my late wife dancing. I have branched out into international and contradancing, but Israeli folk dance is my real love.

Today, I have no patience with the recent style: long couple sets, lots of frantic turning, ridiculous hand movements, and a cut-off after two stanzas only, religiously. I seek out the groups that do the old dances in the old style. For me it is exercise, culture, and nostalgia. I particularly like dancing to songs that I can sing. I dance all over the map; but only on Zoom for the duration. I danced on Zoom with Sue & Friends in Portland, OR during the pandemic.

I especially found this to be true during my assault with cancer this past summer. My surgeon oncologist knew how important dance was to me. She made a special call to my medical oncologist and said, “Please don’t let chemo interfere with Lynne’s dancing.  She continued by saying,  if she couldn’t dance due to the effects of chemotherapy, then to stop it.  This lady must dance. ” And, I did dance. I didn’t miss any dance sessions. 

I believe dancing (and jogging) is what carried me through cancer, the surgery, chemo and radiation.  On Mondays, after chemo, I looked forward to dancing at the Leedy Grange. Thank you to, Sue, who started Israeli dance at Leedy. While dancing, I can get lost in a reverie. That is,  I hear the music, feel the energetic movement and freedom. The best  feeling I sometimes get, is that I am  floating in a pool and defying gravity with my arms and legs swaying with  rhythm. Dance definitely gave me life support during this difficult time.

A sweet memory takes me back to 1970. I was 18 years old. After high school, with a backpack on my back and book in hand, “Let’s Go Europe,” I hitchhiked through Europe and culminated this trip  in Israel. I was a volunteer  and worked on a kibbutz, Ayelet Hashachar. The first day I arrived, I walked through the door of the main hall and there were  the kibbutzniks and volunteers dancing.  The  people, music and dance were so welcoming. Walking through the door at Leedy and other places I dance in Portland, I live that memory again, being part of that dancing  circle on the kibbutz.

I love how Israeli dancing is a combination of music and dances from around the world. These countries include, Europe, Africa, Turkey, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Angola, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria to name a few.  I find the blend  of all these dances contribute to the culture of Israeli dance. It’s so inclusive. As much as I enjoy traveling to areas like these, dancing to their music is my way of being there for now.

The music so motivating. I love the history of the dances and learning the origins of them.  I’ve met so many interesting people and the fun we have at the dance sessions is something I always look forward to. No matter what mood I leave my house, I come back energized and happy. 

Two of my favorite dances are T’filati and Nitzmadnu. T’filati means My Prayer. I heard the cantor sing it at Rabbi Stampfer’s funeral. I recognized it and realized it was a dance I learned. I associate the music and dance now with Rabbi Stampfer, a teacher I loved so much and studied with ever since I moved to Portland. I would like to have this music, T'filati/ My Prayer, at my funeral too.  I have specified that in my will.

Nitzmadnu is translated to mean You and I. I just love the movement of this dance. I can shut my eyes and  feel like I am in water..  There is no other dance that makes me feel like i am submerged in water like Nitzmadnu does.  

I’m at my best when I am in motion. I find Israeli dance to be so inspiring and stimulating. I feel so alive when I dance, I’m thankful that we have the opportunity to dance three times a week in Portland. It’s addictive and I am proud to say I’m hooked. :-) 

In 1986, I started dancing International Folk Dance with Bill Nelson at Fulton Park Community Center.  The Israeli folk dance was my favorite and I started dancing at the Jewish Community Center that same year.  Hoa was the session leader at the time. I have been dancing for the past 27 years because I like Israeli music.  I am a musician and a band teacher and I enjoy the sound of the music and the dance.  It is also very good exercise.

If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using one word it would be “freedom”. The one special memory that I have is meeting Kevin, my husband, at a dance session at Fulton Park Community Center.

The session leaders have been very good.  Hoa, Dudi, Allison, and Donna are very good teachers.  Dudi and Donna are excellent in breaking down the steps and using words to describe each step.  They are very good at observing who needs additional help and providing personal assistance.

My favorite dance is Tefilat Haderech, the Traveler’s prayer for a safe journey.  I love the music. I think dance builds a sense of community by bringing people together.  I think Portland is special because it feels like a family.  People here don’t take dancing too seriously – they just have fun.

I love Israeli folk dance – I am basically a shy person and it allows me to forget who I am and just enjoy the freedom of movement.  It is an outlet – a comfortable way for me to socialize and participate in a group setting. My advice for beginners is to try it – go behind the circle if you are uncomfortable at first, but watch how much fun it is.

I went to the University of Michigan and needed an athletic credit so I took Israeli folk dance to fulfill this requirement.  I also took Hebrew to fulfill my language requirement. 

I moved to Portland in 1976.  I later attended graduate school in the School of Social Work at Portland State University.  At that time, the Jewish Community Center offered free six-month memberships for people new to the community.  I joined the JCC and started Israeli folk dancing.  I met Mimi Epstein who asked me to join Ayalah, the performing group. 

Mimi inspired me.  She was an excellent teacher and taught very complicated dances.  Mimi was encouraging and at the same time had very clear expectations.  We practiced twice a week and would often perform a third time in the week. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “exalting”.

I have several memories of when I was performing with Ayalah. I was in a big performance at the JCC.  We had very elaborate choreography and I got turned around in the middle of the dance.  I ended up with the men and had to do the whole dance backwards!  When in Seattle, after our performance at the Folk Life Festival, I excitedly started dancing down the street.  I did a turn, crashed into a parking meter and cracked both of my front teeth.

Ayalah danced in many venues – nursing homes, community centers and at special events.  I recall when we danced at an art gallery for Sara Harwin’s opening exhibit.  The owners had just installed new carpeting and were worried that we would step on nails or other debris.  

Our performing group was very close and had a deep sense of camaraderie.  At the time, I was living with Sue Ryan, another Ayalah folk dancer.  We were planning to move to a house on Sauvies Island, but decided the location was too far because life revolved around the JCC. I do have favorite dances!   I love Hora Mamtura – the music is energetic, open and free.  I have a lovely memory of Ravid Rapheal leading the dance and I loved watching him dance.  I love Erev Bah – it is gentle and soothing.  I love the energy of both types of dances.  

Dance builds a sense of community – it did in the past and does now in the present.  Anytime people come together to share what they love, their collaboration creates community.  We come together to share the music and movement with other people. I love Israeli folk dance.  It brings happiness to my soul – it is part of my being. My advice to beginners is to feel the music and let it get into your being and then you will love it.

Sometimes if I’ve had a difficult week the only time I smile is at folk dance. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “joy”.

The memory that stands out for me is when the Ashkelon dancers from our sister city in Israel came to Portland and performed at the Arlene Schnitzer concert hall - they were wonderful.

Hoa inspired me and made me feel like I could do it.  She was a very good teacher. One of my favorite dances is the new Hine Ma Tov because it speaks to me.  My other favorite dance is Sharem ma Shiech because of the beautiful music.  I called into the Yiddish Hour radio program and they sent me the English translation sheet music.

There have been changes during the past 27 years.  We have changed locations - we had to move from the JCC and from Raleigh Hills School.  There have been births and deaths and children are growing up.  The dances are changing also - the new dances have too many twirls - I like the older dances best.  There is also more of an emphasis on couple’s dances.

Dance does create a sense of community because you get to know other people. I love Israeli folk dance because the music and movement speaks to me. My advice for beginners is to just keep practicing.  I was raised in a home where dancing was not allowed, so dance as an adult doesn’t come easy.  But practice, over and over, and it can be learned and enjoyed.

If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just two words they would be “spiritually uplifting”. Portland is a special place to dance - the people here are very friendly and I get to dance with a lot of different partners. The one memory that stands out for me is when I went to the JCC for the first time and Diane introduced herself and welcomed me to dancing.

The session leaders have been wonderful.  Allison is a good teacher and very easy to follow.  Dudi is fun and has a unique Israeli energy.  William brought us the latest and best dances.  Donna does a great job teaching and is easy to follow.  My favorite dances are Lo Matzati because it has so much energy;  Yisraelite because it has a feminine viewpoint and At Li Habayit because it talks about the homeland.

There have been changes during the past 20 years. There are always new dances and there are so many it is difficult to keep up with them.  Donna does a good job of choosing the ones that have staying power. Dance creates a sense of community.  It connects us to the Israeli culture and homeland.  We have a responsibility to the Israeli people we have met - it is crucial to maintain Israeli dance.

I have been coordinating the Café Shalom dancers for about 18 years ago.  We dance once a month - one month at Robison Home and the next month at Rose Schnitzer Manor.  I appreciate and am grateful for the dancers who entertain for the residents.  It is a deeply gratifying experience - the residents look forward to our dance performances. I love Israeli folk dance.  I love the music, the spiritually - it is so uplifting. My advice to beginners is to hang in there - the dances are worth learning.

As soon as the music started, it came back to me! I was really excited to learn there were so many opportunities to dance in Portland. I took Allison’s beginner class at the MJCC, where I learned some of the easier dances and grew in confidence to start going o open dance sessions. I moved on to Allison’s intermediate class at the water tower, which I still attend.

I love all the dance session leaders – Allison, Donna, Sue and Rhona. All are so welcoming and encouraging, and great teachers. I wish I had the time and the knees to go to all 4 weekly sessions, but I usually can make it to 2 or 3. Dance is an escape for me. I may come in stressed about work or family issues, but as soon as the music starts, I forget about my worries and just enjoy the music and the movement. I’ve also made some really good friends through the dance community. I’m doing the only exercise I don’t find boring, and keeping my brain active remembering the steps. It’s become my favorite hobby.

 I danced four times a week, including International and Israeli dancing.  I was also in an Israeli performance group that danced in other cities.  I finished college in 1964 and began to dance in my home city of Philadelphia. The following year I got married and stopped folk dancing for the next 9 years.  

Near the end of his medical training in Philadelphia, my husband and I were thinking about possibly moving to the west coast.  So in the summer of 1973 we decided to go on a three-week camping trip - one week in California, one week in Oregon and one week in Washington.  I awoke one night in my sleeping bag with dancing in my head and felt the need to start dancing again.  I danced regularly for the last year that we lived in Philadelphia.  Then, when we moved to Portland in 1974, I looked for a place to dance.  I found the MJCC and Reed College.  I was disappointed to find that the dancing at the MJCC was on carpet at that time, so I enjoyed the dancing at Reed far more. 

Pearl Atkinson and Grace Houghton led International folk dance at Reed College.  My husband joined me dancing there in 1975.  I met Sue Wendel at the MJCC and she asked me if I would be the leader for the Ayalah performance group, which had been established by Marna Kleinman.  Marna had moved to Israel and left the group in need of leadership.  I became their leader for the next 5 years.

The Ayalah group was very active.   We had up to 14 dancers and performed in festivals in Portland and the Seattle Folklife Festival.  I did the directing and the choreographing.  We had a number of workshops and brought in Israeli choreographers to teach and introduce new dances to the group.  We brought in Ayalah Goren, Moshiko, and Chaim Livneh.  Chaim brought us the latest dances that Rivka Sturman had developed.

Chaim Livneh and Ayalah Goren were very good session leaders.  They were clear in explaining the dances, good teachers and their enthusiasm was contagious.  Pearl Atkinson was a powerful force in the folk dance community, working behind the scenes to bring folk dance leaders to Portland.  She was the one who suggested Chaim Livneh and Ayalah Goren to me as leaders for our community.  I then organized the weekends when they came to teach Israeli dance to us.  Pearl was also a personal friend of Rivka Sturman, whom she had visited in Israel.

I have several memories.  In 1980 the Ayalah performing Israeli dance group was scheduled to perform at the Seattle Folklife Festival.  My family and I drove up on Friday with Jane Blume and her family; our group was supposed to perform on Sunday, May 25th.  The Ayalah performers had practiced for hours for this event, but on May 25th, Mt. St. Helens erupted for the second time and the dancers who were planning to drive up that morning could not get through.  Highway I-5 was closed.  The two families could not drive home on I-5 and had to return to Portland by way of Yakima, a long way out of the way.

I remember one year the Ayalah performing dance group was scheduled to perform in the Mural Amphitheater, an outdoor stage at Folklife Festival in Seattle in front of a huge audience.  We were planning to dance barefoot, but the group that performed before us, Kathy Kerr’s Israeli dance group from OSU, ran off the stage at the end of their performance and immediately put their feet in water that surrounded the stage.  The concrete floor of the stage was so hot from the bright sunshine that their feet were burning.  We decided to dance in our sandals. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using one word it is “joyous”.

My favorite dances are At Va’ani, Dodi Li*, D’ror Yikra*, Sham Hareh Golan and T’Filati.  Thave been a number of changes during the past 40 years.  I liked the earlier dances, but am not interested in most of the dances of the last three decades.  There is a lot of turning and the newer dances seem to be less like folk dances and more like popular dances.

I love Israeli folk dance because of how the music makes me feel.  The music touches me deeply and I want to move to it. My advice to beginners is to find a group that makes you feel welcome and one where people will help you get through the newness.  Then make a commitment to attend regularly so you can relax and just dance.

I have danced for the past 16 years because of the people I dance with - we are like family.  I always have fun at dance. Portland is a special place to dance - we have our own style.  In some places, they only play the songs twice - in Portland we dance to the whole song. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “fun”.

I have several special memories.  My most important memory is when I met my wife Becca dancing at the JCC in 2000 - we were married in 2012. I have special memories of when I went to dance camps in British Columbia and met Israeli choreographers, Gadi Bitton and Naftaly Kadosh.  I really enjoyed dancing with them - they were very good teachers and very friendly.  I went to Naftaly’s dance camp in New York and had a great time.  I enjoyed Rhythm NW and I always enjoy B’Yachad.

All of the session leaders have inspired me - Dudi, William and Allison.  They all have their own unique style - all of them are great leaders and all of them combined are perfect. My favorite dance is Inbal - it is a couples dance that we danced at my wedding - it is a beautiful, graceful dance.  I danced with Becca, my partner - the right partner makes it even better. The music has changed more than the dance during the past 16 years.

Dance totally creates a sense of community.  Everyone always helps each other learn dances and shows a person the steps.  The people I dance with are like family. I love Israeli folk dance.  It has helped me to open up and express myself through dance.  It makes me feel good - it makes me feel energized. My advice to beginners is to keep trying, go as often as possible and ask questions.  Everyone is willing to help.

I really missed dancing. When I was 15, I started doing international folk dance with a friend from high school. I was invited to join a troupe. We only performed at things like senior homes. One time we did perform at a Shakespeare Festival. I continued dancing international through college. 

My first teaching job was in Lancaster, CA. The only dancing there was line dancing, which at the time, I didn't do. I resumed international folk dancing when I moved to San Diego and after I got divorced in 1990. After about 5 years, the group had lost their location, and had moved to another location, but it was too far, so I stopped going. Then I discovered another international dance group in San Diego. 

I used to take my daughter Stephanie with me, and she would fall asleep with everyone dancing a Romanian dance around her. A few months later, I discovered an Israeli dance class. I started dancing once a week. About a year later, I was dancing twice a week. I went to every dance camp in Southern California for about 20 years!

I believe dance has saved my life. When I have felt depressed or alone, I go to dance and feel better and don't feel alone anymore. I don't know what I would do without the dance community. It has been difficult making friends to do things with following my move, but I always feel included when I go to dance. Portland has the friendliest dance community and is always accepting of everyone. 

Dance is the one thing I feel I excel at and it makes me feel so good that I can pick up new dances so quickly and help others to learn them. Israeli folk dance in one word- life!!! I can feel sad or tired, but after dancing I feel great!!! Israeli dancing is the best mood enhancer!! And finally, favorite choreographer is Michael Barzalai. I like energetic dances.

I remember one dance which was taught by Loui Tucker- Bo’U Nashir L’Eretz Yafa (let’s sing for a beautiful country). Saying that even if you moved across seas your heart will bring you back home. That is how I felt… I did return to Israel beginning in 1988 and tried dancing there but couldn’t find the passion for it. 

25 years later Boaz and I came to Portland Oregon and what do we do to meet people? Israeli folk dance of course. This time with a different attitude about life…but nevertheless I still enjoy listening to the music and singing out loud and feeling the healing effects of synchronized movements done in a circle connecting, joining hearts.

She would teach me new dances and make me copies of her dance music cassette tapes.  I went through phases where I listened to those tapes all the time.

It was my experience at summer camp in Michigan that introduced me to the joy of dancing together for hours in a big group of friends.  On Friday nights the whole camp would gather on the basketball courts and dance until midnight.  I remember never taking a break.  I was hooked.  In high school, I started an Israeli folk dance club and I taught all the dances.  

I moved to Portland in 2001 and started dancing at the Jewish Community Center – Allison and William were the session leaders. I have kept dancing for the past 30 years because I love it – dance has always been part of me. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “embodied”.

I found our group in Portland by a wonderful coincidence.  I came to Portland in 2001 as a visitor – I was checking it out to see if I wanted to move here.  I went to a Jewish fair at Reed College where there was some dancing.  I joined the circle and standing next to me was Cindy Merrill.  I asked her where I could find Israeli dance in Portland.  In our conversation she told me that she is also from Chicago and that she had danced with my mother.  Cindy told me about dancing at the JCC and I have been a part of the group ever since I moved here in September of 2001.

William, Allison and Donna have inspired me by their consistency and dedication.  William has such positive energy – Allison has such a sense of humor and Donna has such grace.  My mom continues to inspire me and we still love to dance together and teach each other new dances.  We both have been teaching children how to dance for a long time.  My mom is very creative in her interpretation of children’s dances, but because I am also a Hebrew teacher I tend to take their lyrics literally.  I really value the way she adapts the dance to be more age appropriate for young children, more entertaining, and more engaging.  I visited her in December and observed her while she taught a class – I still learn new ways of teaching from my mom – she helps me be a better teacher.

My favorite dances change all the time depending upon my mood.  I love when Becca and Moshe come to dance because the leaders will play their favorites, which tend to be mine as well. Portland is a special place to dance.  Even though I sometimes danced in Chicago with my mom, I was always too young to feel like part of the community.  The community I danced with in college was very small, and I didn’t participate consistently.  The size of our Portland group creates an intimate community.  For the past eleven and a half years that I have been in Portland, I get to see the same people for a few hours every week.  So even if I don’t get to catch up with everybody each week, we have the privilege of watching each other evolve over time, through life events, birthdays, and holidays.  It is heart-warming to have such a caring and connected community.

I love that our group has participants of all ages and abilities.  When I was in Argentina I tracked down some Israeli folk dancing and went on a Wednesday night.  They said that Wednesday nights were only for women in their 50’s.  I really had to talk them into letting me dance with the group.  In Portland all different ages and abilities dance together and we do it so well.

B’Yachad keeps our community strong.  I always get so jazzed and inspired, like I did back at summer camp in Michigan, to learn more dances and to continue to teach.  I also love that my yoga class has become a tradition at B’Yachad.  It feels wonderful to share my love of yoga with the community I love, in a way that supports everyone in being able to dance more.

There have been changes during the past 30 years including the location change from the JCC.  The dances and music have evolved in style.  We do so many dances in Portland and I believe we are only scratching the surface of the myriad of dances that exist.

My advice to beginners is to just have fun – you will eventually get it.  There is an old joke “if you know 5 dances, you know them all” because of the repetition of steps. I have a life long love of Israeli folk dance - I feel connected to it - it is part of me.

I lived in Pittsburgh and danced throughout high school.  I went to Pennsylvania State University and continued dancing and I was in an Israeli performing group called La’machol.  

I moved to California at Berkeley and didn’t dance very much – I was involved with the political scene.  I moved to Santa Cruz and danced with an International Dance group at the community college.  I went back to Pittsburg in 1974 and I was in two performance groups, an Israeli group and a Russian group.  One of my favorite memories is performing with a 50-piece balalaika orchestra in front of 10,000 people in an open-air dome – this was a peak experience.  I also danced in a performance group while I was attending chiropractic college - it was a wonderful release.

I came to Portland in 1976 and started dancing in 1977 on a regular basis at the Jewish Community Center.  We danced on Thursday night - our leader was Sue Wendel.  I also danced International Folk dance at Portland State University and on Friday night at Reed College.  There was a huge group of dancers at this time – International Folk dance was very popular.  We also had International Folk dance at the Rose Garden Amphitheater in Washington Park in the summer with Bill Nelson.  There was also a performance group that danced throughout the Jewish community.

In 1978, Ann Fischer led the group at the JCC – she became ill and Dee Wolfe took over for a number of years.  Hoa took over after Dee left, then Dudi. They used to have wonderful weekend workshops and would bring choreographers from Israel.  Ayalah Goren instructed our group at one of these workshops at Reed College.  Ayalah’s mother, Gurit Kadman, is known as the mother of Israeli folk dance.  Gurit and Ayalah collected folklore and dances from Yemenite people and made a movie about their experiences in 1979.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance with only one word it would be “joy”.

 I have several favorite memories of Portland – I met Arlene, my wife, at the Reed College workshop.  I started a conversation with her at the lunch break and some years later we got married.  Another favorite memory is my daughter Leila’s Bat Mitzvah.  It was a wonderful occasion and we danced to live music.  I also like music and dances from the past – they bring back good memories.

The session leaders have all been exceptional.  Dudi inspired me because of his enthusiasm – I could feel it – it was a total experience. I have several favorite dances: Bachom’ Shel Tel Aviv, Tagidu La, and Simanim, a couples dance.

There have been a number of changes in the past 30 years.  The style of music has shifted – years ago some of the music was composed just for dances.  There was coordination between the composer and the choreographer – now the choreographer uses popular music – the music already exists.  The earlier dances like those choreographed by Yoav Ashriel were simpler, did not have complicated steps, and there was more repetition.  

Today the dances are more highly choreographed, requiring a higher level of coordination.  Dancing is more challenging and perhaps that’s why it’s harder to attract and keep people.  I will never forget riding in a bus in Israel in 1995 when the song which we dance to, Shabechi Yerushalayim from the Sephardic prayer book, came over the bus driver’s radio and half the people on the bus started singing the song.

Portland is very special place and has a warm, friendly environment.  People here enjoy dancing, they feel comfortable, greet each other, and have a sense of community.  I love Israeli folk dancing – I feel the most alive when I dance – the music, movement, and dancing with others.  My advice to beginners is to have fun.  Dance provides exercise for your physical body and your brain – it is active, energizing, and provides good side-to-side balance.  The brain becomes stimulated from interacting with music as well as learning new dances. 

I took a break from dance when I left Montreal around age 9 and restarted in high school on Sunday nights at the JCC in Vancouver, Canada. Every Sunday at the JCC I’d dance with the group there. I then continued as a student at UW in Seattle at the HUB (student (Husky) union building) with Lori and Shimon.

I love traveling and dancing, and I love to travel to dance. I love that I can go anywhere in the world and the dances that I do weekly in Portland, Seattle, or Vancouver are danced to the same music everywhere. It's kind of amazing that Ma Navu is the same dance anywhere in the world.

Portland is amazing because we can dance so many times every week if we want. Many people I know who live in smaller cities have less dancing and it's really hard for them. Four times a week is a lot for a city this size and new dances are being taught all the time. There are also regional workshops that are easy to get to a few times a year so we have the chance to see and meet dancers from other cities.

I would describe Israeli folk dancing as invigorating. After I finish dancing, I usually can't go to sleep right away because I feel charged up. 

I've been in Portland for 5 years. A great memory that stands out for me is that during the pandemic, when everyone else had stopped dancing, I started an outdoor dance session in a cul-de-sac on Sunday afternoons in April 2020. So many dancers loved the opportunity to dance together even though the pandemic was keeping people apart.

By October 2020, I moved the dancing undercover to the Multnomah Arts Center outdoor basketball courts for two and a half years. We enjoyed the beauty of the sky, the sun going down and the birds. For me, it was as much for selfish reasons as for other dancers. I wanted to get people together and I really wanted to dance with a group. I think the dancers who participated really enjoyed it. I know I did.

I am a session leader and a teacher. Many session leaders and choreographers have inspired me. I've danced with magnificent choreographers like Moshe Eskayo, Shlomo Maman, Israel Yakovi, Moshiko and Michael Barzelai. My first dance workshop in 1983 was in California and I was inspired by Shlomo Maman, who was so beautiful to watch dance when he was in his twenties; there was also Israel Yakovee, and Dani Dassa. Recently, I danced Lihiyot Smecha beside Ariane Butel in Maryland which was amazing.

The biggest change I've seen over the years is that dances have become more complicated and longer. Each choreographer wants to outdo the other to be more unique, by using a different turn or sequence that that is new.

Many of my good friends came from the dance communities in Vancouver, Seattle, and now Portland. I find it very supportive and I love the people I meet dancing. Israeli Folk dance is part of who I am. I am an Israeli dancer, teacher, and session leader. I believe that as we age, Israeli dance helps by providing physical movement, cognitive/mental learning, and social interaction. All of these are important help keep us healthy and strong.

My like to remind beginner dancers that when we were all younger we were artists, singers, and dancers. We didn't care what color green we used for a  tree, we didn't care if we sang out of tune and we didn't care if we danced steps properly. As adults, we forget that we are still artists, singers, and dancers. 

Also, I want my student dancers to know three things: Don't hurt yourself, don't hurt anybody else, and have fun. I don't care if you do the steps wrong. We don't make mistakes, we have solos. When a step is different from everybody else, it is a solo, so just take the pressure off and enjoy what you are doing. Have a smile on your face when it's over and give yourself time. It takes about a year of dancing regularly to build the confidence to really learn the dances. There are so many dances out there you could never learn them all so enjoy what you're doing, give yourself a pat on the back and ease up on yourself and enjoy the process, not the outcome. 

Portland is a special place to dance because our group has created such a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “relaxation”. I want to thank all the dance leaders.  They have brought me many happy hours through their dedication and efforts.  Dancing has shaped my life and I have made many new friendships.

All of the session leaders have been wonderful.  Dudi had such an infectious spirit and happiness in dancing.  William has such natural ability, clarity of instructions and a quirky sense of humor. I have several favorite dances - Eilat because it captures my imagination; Ephraim because it is a happy dance and Lechol Echad Yesh because it is the couples dance we danced at my wedding.

I have special memories of the Rhythm Northwest Dance workshop.  It helped ingrain the dance patterns for me - I became fluent in the steps.  It was a very special weekend. There have been changes in that we are all getting older. Dance does build community because you have a wide cross section of people that would never have crossed paths except for dance.

I love Israeli folk dance - I enjoy the music, the dancing and the special relationships with people - that’s the prime thing - the reason I keep going.  I like to compare Israeli folk dance to a Root Beer float - the ice cream at the heart of the float is the relationships, the music is the root beer, and the dancing is the cherry on top. My advice to beginners is to move with the circle and don’t worry about your feet or your arms.  Go to B’Yachad - it’s very helpful.

It has always made me feel more in touch with Israel by listening to the music and lyrics that I love so much. These same reasons that I began also encouraged me to continue dancing throughout the years, taking a hiatus when I found “the guy” and was married for 15 years. The one word I would use to describe Israel folk dancing is “inspirational”. The flow of the music, the meaningful lyrics, and the connection with the people around me inspires me in so many ways.

I remember the first time Portland sponsored a Dance Camp at the Sheraton Hotel near the airport. It was quite an event - a chance for me to meet a lot of the “who’s who” of dancing across the country.  I hadn’t done any dance camps before, so I was especially overwhelmed by meeting Israeli choreographers and the long hours of dancing. Portland is definitely a unique place to dance - primarily because of how friendly and welcoming we are!  We have a small group compared to some other cities, but we are solid.  Now that Debbi Montrose has initiated an annual dance camp, we are certainly on the map in terms of helping to unite the northwest dance community. This is definitely a change over the years from being the less notorious of the northwest groups - Canada and Seattle taking the lead. We are now equally included in a sense of community.  We have our own community that ebbs and flows, but always there.  

William Harvey was a great session leader. His naturally graceful style of dancing was easy to follow and his charisma kept a steady stream of dancers coming to his sessions. Dudi Amir was also a wonderful session leader - always incorporating holidays and themes into his sessions. He also had a natural way of teaching the dances so that we were able to learn them more easily. His style of dancing was fun to watch, making us all smile!

Mostly, I want to thank all of my fellow dancers for always making me feel welcome at the sessions - and welcoming others, too. The Portland sessions are some of the friendliest dance sessions I’ve ever attended - may they thrive and continue to dance for years to come!

I don’t really have a favorite dance, but there are several dances that I learned when I was in Israel for extended periods of time - and brought them back with me. One of those times was a particularly difficult time in Israel - more terrorist attacks than ever before. The dances I learned that year were the most meaningful to me. They were dances of hopes, prayers and strength. I could see how the lyrics of those songs effected the Israeli dancers and made us feel united at a very scary time. To this day, those dances are very special to me.

Watching my own daughters dance today makes my heart fill with pride and happiness. To see the next generation - no matter where they are living, picking up the lines of Israeli dance and tying us all together - around the world - that is what makes Israel dance so special.  I have danced in Europe and in Asia - the Jewish people and non-Jewish people - and the power of the music moves us all. If you are a beginning dancer, my advice is:  stick with it.  You will get it.  It will click with you one day.  Until then…join the community and enjoy our song!

I have danced for the past 14 years because it is good exercise and I like the socialization.  I have met a lot of good people - everyone is friendly and there is such a warm ambience.  I tried International and Greek folk dance, but Israeli folk dance captured my heart.

I think Portland is a special place to dance.  The dancers here are very accommodating.  The atmosphere is relaxed - it doesn’t matter if you make mistakes.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance with just a few words they would be - “I love the dance and the people”.

I remember dancing in the auditorium at the JCC.  There was a large group of dancers and we were all expressing our love of Israeli folk dance through our movements. All the session leaders have been good.  I love the way that Allison teaches - she has such a natural style.  She does a great job teaching beginners.  She has been my mentor.  I have several favorite dances - I like Eretz Israel Yaffa and Bou Na Shir.

There have been changes over the past 14 years.  There has been new music, new dances and new people attending. Dance absolutely builds a sense of community.  There is a strong sense of unity in our group.  We socialize with each other and have become friends.

I love Israeli folk dance.  I love the aerobic exercise and the people I dance with.  I feel the music and then the movement comes naturally.  After I learn the basic steps of the dance the rest of it comes easier.  My advice to beginners is to first learn the basic steps - it will help in the movement. Don’t worry if you make mistakes because some of the dances are complicated.

I moved this interest into my art.  In college, I stopped dancing and concentrated on my art, but if someone asked me “do you dance”, I would say no, but I dance internally.

I moved to Portland in 1969 and concentrated on my art.  I started Israeli folk dance in 2003 – it was a time in my life when I had the time to do what I wanted and I had always wanted to learn Israeli folk dance – the music was always inside of me.  I went to the Jewish Community Center and met Allison and William, the session leaders.  I signed up for Allison’s class – it was challenging at first, but I stuck with it.  I learn dance in phrases, like music, not with individual steps.  I am still taking classes from Allison on Tuesday night before Café Shalom.

I have kept dancing for the past ten years because I love the music, the challenge and to be part of a dance community that is part of a worldwide community.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “transcendent”.  One can’t come to dance and be in a bad mood – the focus on movement and dance transcends you.

I still have fond memories of the Ayalah Performance Dance Group.  In 1976, they had a special performance at At Gallery West at the opening reception of my works “Rainbow Dancers”.  It was so lovely to have them dance in front of the art. Allison, William and Donna are all very good session leaders and teachers.

There have been changes during the past ten years.  We have new dances and we have changed locations.  The larger community misses out when they have not prioritized dancing. Dance has built a sense of community.  B’Yachad has expanded our community – this annual weekend together has allowed us to know what a community truly is.

I love Israeli folk dance.  It gives me an opportunity to find expression through music and movement – joy and sorrow – the full range of emotion of expression that goes beyond the boundaries of spoken language. My advice to beginners is to stick with it, practice, it’s a challenge, but make the investment – it’s worth it.  I always try to be supportive and encouraging to new dancers.

In my small town, Kiryat Chayim, which is part of Haifa, all the kids participated in the dance Aloof group. There wasn't a choice to dance because, by virtue of being born in Israel, all kids grow up with this dance group. It is a diverse group including those who are outdoorsy and those whose interest is to study. It is a cultural group, and all participate. As a kid, I never pondered why I danced, because I liked dancing, I did it without thinking.

At age 18, I served in the military and did not dance for a couple of years. When I was discharged from the army, I traveled for one year and then started my university education. As an undergraduate, I received a flyer for Israeli folk dance located across the street from where I lived. I fondly recalled dancing as a kid, so my wife Rikki and I decided to dance once a week. This was very difficult because after attending twice we became addicted. When Rikki was pregnant, we went from a dance session directly to the hospital. We then had a weekly babysitter to dance every Thursday evening.

Then in 2015, I visited Portland for the first time for a week-long business trip. My plan was to drive a rental directly to Fulton Park for a Sunday Israeli dance session, but the car GPS navigator, “you never get lost”, did not work and back then I did not have a smartphone, there was no Waze, and no Google Maps. Along the way, I asked people for directions to Fulton Park, but nobody knew its location. Eventually, I made it to Fulton Park and entered the dance session and I was shocked. In Israeli dance sessions, I was used to 1000 dancers, and even a small dance session had 300 dancers. Only a

neighborhood dance session may be small with only 200 people. In Israel, a dance session with less than100 dancers will not survive even 2 weeks, because the expense to rent a room for dance could not be paid with less than 100 dancers. I walked in and saw Bill with a cassette tape dancing Balkan with seven people. Well, I have an open mind, so I stayed, and I tried to figure out what was going on.

After 1 hour I was still in the process of trying to understand what was going on and why I came there and then I saw Donna carry in higher quality music equipment. She started with familiar dances with about 50 dancers, and I loved it. Donna keeps up with advanced dances and new dances. Then, I met Debbi for the first time, she was very nice. It was very fun to dance with her. I returned to my country, and what was burned in my brain is that Portland is a nice place to live. I never imagined I would end up in Portland. But when the time came, and Rikki wanted to move to the US to do her postdoc, while we were in Pennsylvania it was clear to me that the place to move to was Portland, because I had a very fond memory of Portland.

There are some special things in Portland. At a dance session, it is possible to see10 different people not necessarily dancing to the music, but everybody having their own style, and own rhythm. Bill has his own repertoire and steps, and that is special. I would describe Israeli dance in one word as fun. For me, it is not a dance teacher, nor a new dance that inspires me to dance. My inspiration started when I was a kid, and it comes from within my soul.

My favorite dance is a couple’s dance, Status Meohav. When I like the music, and the lyrics of a song

touch me, and there is a match with the steps, then I love the dance. In every period of my life, there is a dance or a song that reminds me of very special moments in my life.

I would compare the changes I have seen over the years in Israeli dance to the same changes I have seen in music. Dance and music have become more global, like how the crossing between borders of countries has become less distinct. We used to dance very specific styled Israeli dances, and now there are various Israeli dance types such as Israeli Ethiopian dances, or Israeli Latino dances. I have seen innovation in the Israeli music domain where many musicians have started to cooperate with one another and perform duets. This new trend has trickled into dance choreographers also creating dances together.

Dance has built a sense of community as my many Israeli dance friends make me feel very connected to Portland, as well as being one of my connections to Israel. There is fluidity in the community as people move back and forth from Israel, and it is a good thing. I would sum up my love for Israeli dance as feeling like I fly. Dance is a different world for my soul.

When I lived in Philadelphia, I would travel 4 hours one way to drive to a dance session in Manhattan or Washington DC. One time, Rikki and I went to a 9-hour Israeli dance marathon in Manhattan. We got a babysitter in Philly at 4 pm, drove 4 hours to attend a 9-hour marathon, returned with a 4-hour drive and we were home by 8 am. It was the most expensive dance session that I paid for. But, if you want to be happy, you need to do things that give you the feeling that you invest in yourself. So, for me, when I go to a dance session, I feel like I invest in myself.

The advice I would give to a beginner folk dancer is to give it a chance. After one try of a dance, it is not sufficient time to tell whether you like it. Everything we do requires some expertise, and it takes about 2 months to give dance a chance and decide whether you like it or not.

Learning the dances from Marna felt so natural to me, bringing a sense of joy and camaraderie that continues to this day. Shortly after the then weekly Free University sessions, Marna started a weekly open dance session at the MJCC as well. In addition, she also started a performing group called Ayalah which I joined. Marna held high standards about the quality of the performances and we rehearsed often. Ayalah danced all over Portland at various events such as celebrations at the MJCC, an opening at the Art Museum, and the Seattle Folk Life Festival.

After Marna left to study in California in 1973, I assumed responsibility for Ayalah, taught beginning folk dance classes at the MJCC, and ran the open dancing session on Thursday nights. Open dancing was held in the auditorium and would average 50 people or more. At the time Portland had a very active folk dance scene. There was International folk dancing at Reed College, Portland State University, Lewis and Clark, and at Washington Park with Bill Nelson in the summer that included some Israeli dancing. MJCC cultural arts director Joyce Shields, and Mimi Epstein (dancer and Ayalah coordinator after me, 1975-1980) planned workshops and brought choreographers from Israel to teach. Fred Berk, Rivka Sturman, and Moshiko were a few of the renowned Israeli dance choreographers that came to town.

In the mid-70’s we danced to 33 LPs, played on record players we had to lug from a MJCC storage closet. I bought my own record albums to supplement the MJCC’s collection. Back then the albums included dance steps printed in paper booklets. I taught myself many new dances by reading the directions, but the most fun was attending workshops in Portland, Corvallis and other places, and learning from Israeli choreographers and regional masters such as Deborah Kerr, Oregon State, and Pearl Atkinson, Reed College.

As a teacher at the MJCC, I spent a lot of time figuring out the best way to teach the dances, especially how to make beginning dancers feel comfortable and confident about learning something new. One of my most common lines was, “If you can walk you can do the dance steps.” I also felt it was important that students understood the origins and stories the dances revealed.

In July 1977 I moved to Michigan for two years. Ann Fischer (with assistance from Dee Wolf and Bonnie Bliesner) took over as session leaders and beginning dance class instructors.  When I returned to Portland in 1979, I was involved in work, school and other activities and did not dance as much as I had in the past.

It is hard to describe Israeli folk dancing using only one word – I feel that it is “emotionally energizing”.  Dance is positive – the music, the people, and the movement – it gives each of us a profound sense of being together with each other. 

I have several important memories of Israeli folk dance. Firstly, I met Peter, my future husband, at the beginning dance class I was teaching in 1976. I remember seeing his name on the roster and we started talking during the break and at the open dance session he began to attend.  A group of us used to go out after open dancing - Peter became part of this group and as fate would have it, became my husband. 

A second memory that stands out is seeing Esther and Candy (nee Oulman) dancing at Fulton Park Community Center in about 2010. As it was, I used to babysit them years ago in the mid-60s - I remember so clearly holding Esther on my lap when she was a baby. We moved away from the SE Portland neighborhood in 1970 and lost contact with the family. It was an amazing experience to see them and reconnect as adults almost 50 years later dancing together at Fulton Park Community Center!

I have lasting positive memories of Israeli folk dancing. I was a shy high schooler at the time I first met Marna Kleinman in 1972, and dancing and the opportunities it provided helped build life-long friendships, confidence in myself, learn about responsibility and commitment, and to develop my leadership abilities. Marna, Mimi and many others were wonderful teachers who inspired me with their passion. I have several favorite dances that come quickly to mind:  Shiru HaShir, Harishut, Sapari, Elu Tziporrim, and Eten Bamidbar.

There have been changes during the past 40 years. Israeli dance and its choreographers and song writers are more formalized as an institution – there are copyright laws and an explosion of new dances every year. There are magazines, websites, YouTube videos and dozens and dozens of workshops held throughout the world. 

Israeli folk dance has created a sense of community - all over the world. It is a great social activity - you dance with friends, you care about these people, they become part of your life.  Portland is special because of our size – we are small enough that we feel connected – some people dance at all the local open dance sessions – but there is a crossover that you don’t see as much in larger cities. Everybody knows everybody - we care about each other. The longevity of people who have danced, including many who started dancing in the 70s and 80s, has created an inviting core group of people and a stabilizing sense of history. 

My love for Israeli folk dance began as a high school student, grew as a dance instructor, session leader and coordinator of Ayalah. It continues today as “just” a dancer and especially as one of the Israeli Folk Dance 40th Anniversary Celebration planners to be held April 20, 2013 at the MJCC. Working on this project is a labor of love - it is a testament to the unbroken chain of Portland Israeli folk dance session leaders, instructors and dancers - a way to give back to them for the amazing memories and joy they have given me!

The next week the teacher would not catch me up to the choreography missed so I dropped the class.  Back in the mid-70’s I took belly-dancing lessons and that was my primary form of dance for 13 years.  In 1986, in search of a more worshipful dance form for praise and worship, I read about Tuesday night Israeli folk dancing in the newspaper and gave it a try.  This was it!  It was at the Jewish Community Center and Hoa was the leader.

I have danced for the past 27 years because I love it – I love the people, the music, the Hebrew.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance with one word it is “exuberance”. The one memory that stands out is the time that Dudi taught Israeli folk dance to over 200 Christians at a special event. Everyone enjoyed it so much and there was unity and a connection between Jews and Christians. All of the session leaders have inspired me.  I always like learning a new dance. My favorite dances are Tefilah, prayers. I believe it is worship dancing.

There have been many changes during the past 27 years – different instructors, a diverse group of teachers, and different locations.  I miss dancing in the large space at the Jewish Community Center and I miss the dance parties that were held on Saturday nights from 8:00 to 12:00.   Israeli folk dance creates a sense of community and brings together a diverse group of people.

I love Israeli folk dance.  I got married about 10 years ago.  Before I married, I told my future husband how important Israeli folk dancing is to me and that I intended to continue my regular Tuesday night ritual (and occasionally the Sunday night group, too).  It is my night to dance and have fun! My word of advice for beginners is to go for it.  I always help anyone trying to learn a dance and call out the steps if they are next to me.

I have kept dancing for the past 27 years because I love the exercise; it is enjoyable, therapeutic, and I like the social aspect - the group is friendly and warm.

If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “enjoyable”. I have good memories of B’Yachad. It is such a beautiful, scenic camp and I love canoeing on the lake. It is fun being with everyone in Portland and getting to know the Seattle dancers.  I enjoy celebrating Havdalah.  

Another memory that is special is when the Israeli choreographer, Yoav Ashriel, and his daughter, Rakefe came to Fulton Park.There were over 100 people there to meet him and learn his dances. It was quite a memorable celebration. Portland is a special place to dance.  I went to New York in 2011 and went dancing at the Jewish Community Center.  In three hours, not one person approached me - I did talk a little to a few people - strange compared to Portland - it wouldn’t happen here.  It made me appreciate Portland even more.

All the session leaders have inspired me.  Hoa was a very good dancer, a sweet person and encouraged me to dance and take lessons.  I admire Dudi for his energetic, middle-eastern style of dance and I appreciate the fact that he learned folk dancing in Israel.  I admired William - he was fun, energetic and a great dancer.  I admire Allison - she is patient, fun and an excellent teacher and gives clear instructions.  With Allison, I learned 15 dances in 8 months and learned them well. I admire Donna - she is a beautiful, graceful dancer and a great instructor.

There have been some changes during the past 27 years - changes in location, instructors, new people on Sunday, and the size of the group varies on Sunday. Dance does create a sense of community.  It is so nice seeing people every week and getting to know them.  I’ve known many of the people for 27 years. I like being part of a large social group that enjoys Israeli folk dance and I like the familiar music and dances every week.

I love Israeli folk dance and will continue to dance for the rest of my life as long as I’m able.  I enjoy it very much - it is a very important part of my life socially and for enjoyment and exercise. My advice to beginners is to come as often as possible on a regular basis.  If you don’t know the dance, dance behind someone.  Be patient - learn them one at a time and remember everyone starts out at the beginning.

I have been dancing Israeli folk dance for the past 13 years. I saw Israeli folk dance being performed at the Seattle Folklife festival and decided it was for me.  I went to the Jewish Community Center and took lessons from Allison for four years.  I have been a member of the Café Shalom performance group for the past 5 years.  We perform at the Robison home and the Rose Schnitzer Manor once a month.

I live for dance – I’ve always loved dance and music. I play piano, the recorder, am learning the ukulele and sing in two choirs.  I dance the waltz once a month. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance with one word it would be “joyful”.

My favorite memories are from B’Yachad – it is a wonderful experience – they teach us new dances and play our favorites - it is so much fun. The session leaders are inspirational.  Allison is a good teacher and is very knowledgeable.  Avi does a good job with the couple’s session and is encouraging and very enthusiastic.  I can tell how much he loves it. My favorite dances are the couple’s dances – I like the music the best. There have been changes during the past 13 years – the people, the music and dances.  The choreography has also changed.

I think Portland is a special to dance because we have a smaller group and we all know each other. Dance has built a sense of community.  Dance is so powerful - it creates an intimate environment.  There is a special bond between people when you hold hands – it is communing – it is spiritual. I love Israeli folk dance – I love the people and the music.  I like the challenge to learn new dances.  I like the aerobic exercise.  Dancers are happy and know how to have a good time. My advice to beginners is to go on YouTube and try to learn the steps on your own.

I danced regularly at the JCC for more than five years.  Our group used to go out afterwards to the Plush Pippin pie shop on Barber Boulevard or to the Hillsdale brewery.  We often would talk for hours. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “spiritual”.

I have special memories of when I went to Israel and danced in Jerusalem. I have Portland memories - I remember looking forward to dancing on Tuesday night.  I was not very good.  I went Sunday night at Fulton Park.  When I was married in 1978, we had a folk dance wedding reception at Fulton Park.  I made the yogurt and put liquor in it - spiked eggnog.  I remember dancing on Garden Home Road with Mimi.

The Portland group is special - they are accepting of everyone.  They also have been continuously dancing for over forty years.  I occasionally go to the Fulton Park dancing on Sunday night, especially for the Oldies nights. My favorite dances are Ma Navu and Mayim Mayim.

There have been a number of changes, the location, new people dancing, and the kids of dancers that have now grown up and dance themselves. Dance creates a sense of community.  Some of my good friends today, I met through folk dance.  It is a nice way to meet new people in a non-threatening environment.

I love Israel folk dance.  It brings me closer to people of Israel - it is a modern version of Yiddish.  Jews around the world can travel and find a place to dance.  It doesn’t matter who you are - if you are orthodox, conservative or reformed. My advice to beginners is ask for help if you need it, but go ahead and just try it.

I have been doing Israeli dance for the past 53 years and I love it!  I love the language, the music and the people – it’s so invigorating – it is the “fountain of youth”.  I especially like the biblical dances where liturgy and scripture have been put to music. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance with one word, it would be “Life-giving”.

Israeli and Balkan folk dancing changed the course of my life.  In the 1960’s, I was in a performance group and we had to make our own costumes for the Balkan folk life festival in San Francisco. A professional seamstress and embroiderer taught me the correct techniques for embroidery and I made my own costume for the performance.  Up until then, I didn’t think I could do embroidery.  I became an artist – a painter, calligrapher and embroiderer, and I majored in languages and anthropology in college.  I began learning Hebrew in 1970 after hearing the songs and trying to sing along with them.

All the session leaders have been wonderful – Hoa, Dudi and Allison stand out. Each one is unique, but they are all wonderful teachers and explain dance steps well – they are fun and want you to have fun – they have encouraging personalities.

I have noticed a number of changes in the music and the dance steps over the years.   In the 1950’s and 1960’s the dances choreographed in Israel showed influence from European countries. The dances were always symmetrical and there were no turns in the ones I learned.  In the 1970’s some turns began to be done and disco styles appeared.  In the 1980’s more Latin rhythms began to appear, while in the 1990’s there was more of a return to more Middle Eastern styles of music and footwork in the dances I am familiar with. 

Israeli folk dance has developed a sense of community.  The steady and familiar group of people over the years creates a comfortable and welcoming feeling - a feeling of community and a love for something that we all have in common that is unique.

I love Israeli folk dance – it is unquenchable!  I have had many accidents and injuries, and Israeli dance has been the best thing for me – it is inspiring – it is healing physically, emotionally and socially. My words of advice to beginners are “don’t worry how many left feet you have – don’t expect perfection – don’t worry about making a mistake.  It all gets easier and better with practice.”

While in high school, I was involved in language programs and clubs.  For an International Day program, one of the teachers contacted the University of Oregon and invited an Israeli dance student, Ya’akov Eden, to the school to put together a dance presentation for the language clubs for the program.  Ya’akov was an experienced Israeli performance dancer as well as a dance major at the U of O.  For the performance and in preparation he taught us Russian and Israeli dances including Mayim Mayim and Lech Lamidbad.  Ya’akov encouraged everyone to attend the Friday night open International dance sessions at the University of Oregon.  I began attending with a number of other students from Springfield.  The majority of the new dances taught were Israeli - that intrigued me - since many of the other International dances were from a fairly stable and stagnant repertoire.  

I met Donna, my future wife, at a youth organization meeting a few years later.  At first we didn’t realize that we were both folk dancers.  We were married and moved to Portland in 1975.  We danced at Reed College and joined an International folk dance performing group.   We stopped dancing for a few years while we had children.  When the kids were young, we participated in a Parks Bureau dance program for families.  Heidi Vorst was the teacher.  Heidi wanted to expose everyone to all the local dance communities and she arranged for us to go to the Jewish Community Center.  I enjoyed it - for Donna it was magic.  We started Israeli folk dancing at the JCC.  Dee and Bonnie were the session leaders.  They were very welcoming, taught classes and accommodated the children in Heidi’s class.

I have been dancing international folk dance for the past 45 years and Israeli folk dance for the past 28 years because I enjoy it.  I always had an interest in dance. Israeli folk dance is fun, dynamic, good exercise and has a social component.  Israeli folk dance is challenging and reflects the styles, mood and culture of a living people.

I appreciate Israel and like learning about the history of Israel and the Jewish people.  I like learning how Israeli folk dance fits in with their traditions.  It is an expression of their culture and the live state of Israel.  If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using just one word it would be “dynamic”.

Portland is special in its own way and has its own personality.  We have three sessions and each one is different due to the reflection of the composition of the dancers.  I have danced in San Francisco - there are a number of different sessions and each one is also different - some more welcoming than others.  I danced in Phoenix, Hungary, and outdoors on the left bank of the Seine River in Paris.

I have several Portland memories.  Dudi’s arrival was a milestone - he was instrumental in making Israeli folk dance a lifetime habit for Donna and me.  Dudi is a certified teacher and trained for two years in Israel.  B’Yachad is a special memory and I appreciate all of Debbi’s efforts in making this happen every year.  Our Israeli dance performance group, the Shalom Dancers, brings back many memories.  We danced at a number of different locations throughout Portland and exposed the wider community to Israeli folk dance.

Donna inspires me - she is an excellent leader and teacher.  Donna researches the new dances, the choreography and determines if it is representative of what’s good and researches what’s going on elsewhere in the world.  Donna is constantly learning new dances and we both like to attend dance workshops - for me it is a great learning opportunity.   My favorite dance is an old couples dance that Dudi taught called Na Ama.  I have been very impressed by the choreography and teaching style of Shmulik Gov Ari.

Dance builds a sense of community.  I wouldn’t have met and become friends with many of the dancers if we didn’t have dance in common.  It has been very special to celebrate Jewish holidays at Ravid’s, Debbi’s or other homes and see the role of dance in Jewish tradition.  Dance brings people together from different backgrounds and enriches our lives.  I enjoy Israeli folk dance - it is a combination of activity and community. 

There have been changes during the past 28 years.  The repertoire of dances continues to develop - there is a dichotomy between the traditional and the ever-evolving new dances.  The continuing choreography is a good trend and needs to continue to keep dance from becoming static.  The availability of dances on YouTube has changed along with technology.  I remember transferring Israeli dances from the records to cassette tapes. My advice to beginners is to show up on a regular basis, participate and enjoy it.  There is joy in dancing and the group is very tolerant of beginners.

I moved to a Kibbutz in the early 1980s and Israeli folk dance was offered once a week.  They held a separate session for kids and adults.  I was in middle school and once a week a young man would come with his cassettes and lead the dance.  The personality of your leader – your connection to this person has a lot to do with your passion for dance.  I could not go to the grown up session until I was in high school.  I waited with anticipation until I was old enough to dance with the grownups because everyone loved dancing. They had regional dances by the Sea of Galilee. They were held monthly during the summer.  I graduated from high school and went into the military.  I then went to college, got married, and moved to the United States in 2007.  

I didn’t dance for 20 years.  I went to the Jewish Community Center to celebrate Israel’s Day of Independence, Yom Ha’Atzmaut,  As part of the celebration, they played old folk dances and I remembered them.  I started dancing and it was so much fun.  I talked to Ruthi and she told me about Allison’s dance session on Tuesday night.  I have danced regularly for the past four years. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using one word it would be “uplifting”.

Most of my memories are when I was a teenager and the feelings I had at that age. The Portland memory that stands out is how nice everyone was when I first attended dance. Allison is a good session leader – she is like a Rabbi without a synagogue.  She makes her way into your heart and shares things.  She gives attention to everyone and celebrates birthdays and special occasions.

There have been changes during the past 30 years.  The dances are more complicated and also more interesting.  I know the singers and the songs outside of dance and sometimes I’m surprised that they choreographed a dance to a certain song.Dance creates a sense of community.  It takes me back to my old life and provides a way for me to miss my old life in a positive way.  It is an outlet for my sad feelings.

I love Israeli folk dance.  It takes me back to my culture and my childhood.  I miss my life, home, and culture, but Israeli folk dancing helps uplift my spirit and helps balance my emotions - it is healing to my soul. Portland is a special place to dance because everyone is so friendly, open and welcoming.  In Israel they X-ray you.  Here, whatever you are, your age, size, and dance level – it doesn’t matter.  

My advice to beginners is to stick with it long enough to build a repertoire.  It is helpful to learn more than three or four dances. My husband is taking Allison’s class and is learning Israeli folk dance.  My daughters, ages seven and eleven are learning Israeli folk dance at the Portland Jewish Academy.  Ruthi is their teacher.  Sometimes I hear them humming a familiar song.

I moved to Portland in 1985 and started dancing at the Jewish Community Center - Hoa was the leader. If I had to describe Israeli folk dance using several words they would be “fun, social, beautiful and spirited”. I have good memories of Portland - it is a lot of fun, a good social group, and I’m fortunate to be able to dance in Portland with such a wonderful community of dancers.

The session leaders have inspired me.  Allison is a fantastic teacher.  I love her style and the way she breaks the dance down - she does it so well.  I like the dances she teaches us and it feels like I’m going to a party. Dudi is a great teacher.  He created a nice social atmosphere - you could always count on him to be there.  William was an excellent teacher and he taught us many couple’s dances.  Donna, another leader, often teaches unusual, interesting dances.

Portland is a special place to dance.  We have a very welcoming group.  I have known many of the people for 28 years and have made friends.  It is nice to have dancing twice a week.  As much as I enjoy dancing in Israel - each place has its own beauty. My favorite dance is an old dance, Har HaGilboa.  It is a beautiful dance and has spiritual music and movement.

There have been changes during the past 28 years.  B’Yachad is very positive - it connects people in a different way.  My only concern is that our group is getting older and we need to attract younger people to Israeli folk dance.  Dance does create a sense of community.  We see each other often in a setting where we are having a good time and we have time to socialize. I love Israeli folk dance.  I love the music, movement, the variety, the connection to the Israeli culture - it is spiritual. My advice to beginners is that it takes time to learn the dances, but it’s worth it!