A Bit of History

Israeli Dancing of Ann Arbor was started in March of 2008, by a group of people who wanted to have a fun, energetic and WEEKLY dance group available in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Laura Steiner, Cheryl Feit, Gordon Smith, Mira Sussman and Eileen Freed met with the JCC Director, Leslie Bash, to talk about their goals for starting a new group in Ann Arbor.  As a result of this meeting, Leslie agreed to offer the JCC gym for the use of the group on a day that the JCC was open and available. Cheryl Feit volunteered to come from West Bloomfield every week to teach the group.  Amnon Steiner volunteered to be the D.J. and prepare a weekly program.  Laura Steiner volunteered to lead publicity efforts.  In fact, all the organizers of the group are providing their services on a volunteer basis. 

The first event was an energetic dance party with Ann Arbor’s own dance instructor, Tom Starks, attended by over 50 people.  Another great event was the recent dance party with internationally known Israeli dance choreographer, Shmulik Gov-Ari, who was in Michigan to choreograph the August 21, 2008, community dance performance in celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary at the Michigan State Fair Grounds.

How Can You Help?

One of the visions of this group was that it would be a community-led group.  This means that we invite volunteer participation in any and all aspects of the group.  There are lots of ways to help.  If you know a dance well, feel free to dance it in the center so that others can follow you.  If you see a new person arrive, introduce yourself and welcome them to our group.  Barbara thought of keeping track of our song list.  Ziva from Israel and Nir, a professor from Israel visiting for 3 weeks, were wonderful at leading us in the center and teaching new dances.  Nelly, Cheryl L., Dorit, and Marjorie have also taught us several new dances. And Phill has filled in as D.J. whenever needed.   

If anyone would like to teach a dance, please see Amnon.  You can teach one you know, or we will assign one to you.  We will provide a link to a video (or DVD) with the instructions and the dance.