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According to many respected sources, Israeli Dance is in serious danger of losing itself ! The problems can be summarised as follows:
As choreographers compete to make a name for themselves they introduce more and more new dances, many of which are “disposable” – containing rehashed elements from other dances.
Some of the long-established dancers too are voracious for new and challenging sequences. What results is a pop-culture without a common lasting repertoire of dances that are worth repeating. Originally Israeli dance sought to draw together and integrate the many strands of its people but today it reflects a highly driven, rootless, restless society yearning for a common feeling that could unite them.
Dancers are no longer inclined to hold hands in a circle – the starting point for so many community dance traditions – and rather than the inclusive atmosphere of the early Israeli dances (reflecting the kibbutz spirit) there is an ethos of showing off and competitiveness.
One important factor that the writers tend to forget is that the early dances, while distinct and compelling were not difficult. There is such a gap now between the dances which are still taught at school such as Hora Medura and Ma Na Vu and the modern dances which are truly only doable by specialists!
Stefan Freedman, a kibbutz born Sabra living in England, has created a series of dances that continues in the spirit of the earlier Israeli dances while at the same time looking toward the future. Some of his music is Sephardic, some ancient Jewish, some Klezmor and some modern. The dances are in circles with hands joined and are as easy to achieve as the early favourites. In other words, you don’t have to be a specialist.
These are not, however, like “childrens’ dances” (which is sometimes a polite way of implying “so simple that they have no style, finesse or originality”!). Each dance is exquisite and lovingly crafted to reflect the music in an original way. Some are fiery while others have a serenity which has been sorely missed in recent dance choreographies.
Dances include Stefan’s original choreographies such as -
Hebrew Prayer, Shula, Klezmeromp!, Cup of Bliss, Simkhes Toyrah, Flatbush Waltz
(Ljubljana), Zante, Poseidon, Kurdia, Caspian, Garden of Al-Zindiq,
Odysseus, Tik Tak Laila Laila, Saenu, Hadouni. Ken Yovdu, Kozouto,
Sephardic Prayer, Meshuganah, Star, Dove and Song for Mercy.
and simple traditional Klezmor and other “unknown” gems such as Klezmor Hora, Shifra Tanz, Shalom Aleichem, Naama etc.
Stefan travels the world, teaching with his wife Bethan. To add atmosphere they play accordian, guitar and frame-drum, sometimes inviting people to sing with them. Steps are patiently taught, but in the end, as Stefan and Bethan say, the aim is enjoyment so there are no wrong steps; only variations! Every workshop is a festival celebrating life, pleasure and humanity.
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Copyright Stefan Freedman ©2007
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