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December 2010 Review of the ForumsGivaa Tlula 3.1.11 

Written by Givaa Tlula; Translated by Zofia Shiber

The month of December is marked by Hanukah, the Festival of Lights, which is normally adorned by happy celebrations filled with joyous dancers. Alas, this year the atmosphere was marred by the disastrous fire on Mt. Carmel which claimed more than 40 lives and severely injured many others. Our sympathy goes to the families of the victims; we embrace them warmly. *In this month's forums, the often repeated question of too many newly composed dances surfaced. The links below attacked this issue from different points of view. Can the multitude of new dances contribute to the status of those dances considered "assets of permanent value?” Link

Are the dancers in a position to refuse to learn a newly composed dance? What is the instructor to do in such a situation? Link

Another disturbing issue is the super-high audio volume of the music played in the dancing halls. Should a group of dancers force the instructor to lower the volume? Are the markidim aware of the incredibly high decibel, or have they lost all musical sensibilities? Would it be proper to enlist the help a sound expert to warn against the cumulative hazards of long-term exposure to blaring volume? Link

For more on the issue of loud music in the dancing sessions, read the following links: Link

And for those who aren't yet convinced: Link Are there values related to folk dancing, similar to the ones which existed in the past, for example, patriotism, Zionism, altruism, sharing, and giving? [Oren Bachar] Are the values expressed in folk dancing, or is the lack of them a reflection of our present-day society? [Mash'ah] Link This month's "Interview-in-Slippers” by Vered Menashri and Adi Habad was with instructor and choreographer Tuvia Tishler. The full interview and reader responses can be found at Irgun Harokdim site. We welcome additional responses. Link

The highly regarded Markida of Galgal Dance, Ms. Maya Geva, nicknamed, Queen of Weddings, tells us of her experiences conducting Israeli folkdance sessions for and by people with special needs, where progress comes painstakingly slow. Is there a place for such sessions? We full heartedly encourage her to continue on her mission! Link The issue of religious women’s claims and needs for 'female only' folkdance sessions is discussed in YNET's article. Interestingly, we read how religious and secular women's aspiration to dance in a group without men has been fulfilled in folkdance circles and has gained momentum in “Women Only” sessions. Read the Hora Tish article: Link Link

More about “Women Only” harkadot at the Irgun Harokdim site: Link

What about for the opposite sex, creating “Religious Men Only" folkdance sessions? Is anybody up to the challenge? Link

This month witnessed a special dance marathon in Dimona produced by Yaron Elfasy and his family. It was an evening in memory of his father, Motti Elfasy, the highly acclaimed instructor and creator of many beloved dances, who passed away this year. Link

With the permission of Edwin, our “house photographer,” you will find a link to a presentation depicting some highlights of the evening. Link

Read more about Motti Elfasy and his dances with the following link: Link

Please read Tapuz for talkbacks relating to the following issues: how to date a certain dance so as to make it belong to the group of dances we call “'middle-of-the-road” dances, and is it possible to fix a certain year as the break-off point where dances would be considered belonging to the “new” dance group? Link , Link

Which of the dances are destined to stay with us forever? Read about it here: Link Is the atmosphere at the folkdance sessions in Israel a reflection of our society? For instance, incompetent dancers insist upon sticking to the center of the circle, showing no consideration for the rest of the group. Link , And, the inconsiderate loud chattering around the hall, especially during instruction of a dance. Link

Back talker of Forum Horatenu, nicknamed “Shakedet,” asked a question. “What is the politically correct nature of the relationship between instructor and dancer?” Is it appropriate for a markid, who having noticing the absence of one of his regular dancers, and out of concern for his/her health, to call and ask the reason for the absence? Link

Wishing all a Happy New Year 2011!


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