Drop In | Yiddish Dance Workshop

Program Description

Sign up here for one or more Vancouver Yiddish dance classes! To sign up a for a class, click the "register" button below and select from available dates (can only book one class at a time). ***Description*** In this workshop we will learn dances from the Yiddish repertoire that used to have different functions. We will look into the expressiveness of hands and facial gestures to convey a range of emotions as a relevant characteristic of Yiddish Dances. We will practice movement and spatial patterns that build the energy of the group such as in the zhok, bulgar, freilech, patsch tanz and sher. Additionally, we will have a taste of how these dances were influenced by the traditions of neighbouring communities and how they are being taught at Klezmer festivals nowadays. It is my hope that these dances will be adopted into our shared traditions and be part of our communal celebrations. Be ready to have a great time and dig deeper into Ashkenazi wisdom and joy. Modifications, including chair dancing, will be offered to welcome all bodies. ***Schedule & Fees*** Classes are on Tuesday evenings (6-7pm) from October 22 to November 26 2024. Drop ins: $18 per person (see package rate at our website) ***Instructor Bio*** Claudia Bulaievsky is a dance practitioner and educator who has experience teaching creative movement and dance to students of all backgrounds, from toddlers to seniors, in schools, after schools and community centres. She is passionate about learning dances from around the world, and can never stay still if a band is playing near her, usually encouraging others to explore their expressive playfulness as well. She believes that promoting Yiddish dances is not only a means towards learning about our origins and traditions but also a way to renew our communities with the joy of sharing a beautiful language of gestures and rhythms embedded in the moment.

Contact Details

• The Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture

  Peretz Centre for Secular Jewish Culture, Ash Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

  info@peretz-centre.org