Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Reflections on Israeli Music & Dance: Hine Ma Tov

Many Israeli dances are done to songs with lyrics taken directly from the Bible and Jewish liturgy. One of the most well known is Hine Ma Tov; the words are from Psalm 13 and translate to "How good it is for brothers to live together in peace and harmony." This song is sung regularly at Shabbat and High Holiday services.

The first dance version was choreographed in 1950 by Israeli dance pioneer and choreographer Rivka Sturman, using an Ashkenazic melody. It’s a simple two-part dance, done holding hands in a circle:

The other common melody is Chassidic, and is often sung as a round. It was popularized when it was included in the classic songbook Rise Up Singing. Here’s a version from Abayuda of Uganda:
And here’s a beautiful rendition by Harry Belafonte:

In 1999 a new version, commonly dubbed Hine Ma Tov 2, became the hit of the Israeli folk dance scene. The song is performed by the Miami Boys Choir, with music composed by Moshe Jacobson and dance choreography by Silvio Belfen. 

It’s interesting to note the profound difference between Sturman’s simple two-part dance and the newer line dance version, which mirrors the increasing complexity of life in Israel (and the world) over time.

Hine Ma Tov 2 created a flash mob dance craze around the world.
This one’s from Spain:
And my absolute favorite:
This one ditches the choreography - but you just have to love these construction workers!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Reflections on Israeli music & dance: Hora & Hava Nagila

Hora & Hava Nagila

Most Americans think of the hora (and the popular song Hava Nagila) when they hear the term “Israeli dance.” The irresistible rhythm and joyful melody have made this song one of the most popular party dance tunes in the United States. It is pretty much required for any bar mitzvah or wedding. 

Here, the hora is danced moving to the right (counter-clockwise), but in Israel, it moves to the left, as you can see in this video: 

By contrast, here’s a Yiddish/Klezmer version of the hora, with very different music and footwork:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gCaasGjtR0

The song Hava Nagila, which means “Let Us Rejoice,” has been covered by an astounding variety of musicians, including Glen Campbell, Lena Horne, Chubby Checker, Connie Francis, surf guitarist Dick Dale, and the Barry Sisters. Singer Harry Belafonte recorded it in 1959; it became one of his most popular songs, and he rarely gave a concert without singing it. 

Check out these versions of the song:
Serbian brass band master Boban Markovic: 
Take your pick, or dance to them all as you shelter in place.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Reflections on Israeli Dance: Choreographer Rivka Sturman

If you have ever gone to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a Jewish wedding or a Jewish camp, you have probably done the classic Israeli folk dance Zemer Atik. Also known as Nigun Atik, the title means “ancient song.” It’s easy, fun, and has great music. 

Zener Atik was choreographed in 1955 by Israeli folk dance icon Rivka Sturman. Sturman was an early pioneer of Israeli folk dancing, an invented tradition originating in the 1940s as part of a deliberate and focused campaign to create a cultural tradition for the newly created state. These dances were intended to unify Israel as well as facilitate a sense of national identity. Her dances include Dodi LiHarmonicaHashualHora ChassiditHineh Ma Tov, and Kuma Echa.

Here are video links for her ever-popular Zemer Atik and Mayim so you can watch – and hopefully dance along! 

Zemer Atik:

Mayim:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsY3WWlK46A