Resource Page

Printed Resources, Videos, CD's

If you happen to live in New York, many of these resources
 are available in the New York Public Library.
The dance collection can be searched online at:
http://catnyp.nypl.org/

In smaller centres it can be a bit of detective work to locate copies.
Try local libraries, university libraries, Jewish community centre libraries or try
to find someone who's been dancing for many years.
They may have these books hiding in their bookcases. Happy hunting!

Alpert, Michael. 1986. "Freylekhs on Film: The Portrayal of Jewish
Traditional Dance in Yiddish Cinema," Jewish Folklore and Ethnology Newsletter 8/3-4: 6-7 and 35.
Discusses the dancing in Yiddish movies in the 20's, 30's and 40's--which ones appear genuine and which are more likely artistic creations.

Berk, Fred. 100 Israeli Folk Dances. 2nd edition. New York:
Israel folk Dance department of the American Zionist Youth Foundation, 1983.
A book of dance descriptions contains some klezmer-style dances but most is more Israeli/Yemenite
style material. All dances are choreographed versions.

Berk, Fred. The Chasidic Dance. US: Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1975.
This book has a history of Chasidic dance, information about weddings and customs.
There are also descriptions of choreographed dances. A companion vinyl record was made to
go with the book and contains music for all the dances.

Beregovski, M. Old Jewish Folk Music: the Collections and Writings of Moshe Beregovski. Ed.
and Trans. Mark Slobin. Philidelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1982.
Beregovski collected and transcribed numerous Eastern European folk melodies some of which
are presented in this book. It also has several pages about dances. I haven't had a chance to go through
 it thoroughly. The book is out of print but apparently a new edition is planned.

Budowitz www.budowitz.com
1) Mother Tongue Music of the 19th Century Klezmorim on Original Instruments cd. 
Koch International, 1997.
In addition to being great music, Mother Tongue affords the opportunity of reading 
about the origin of the dance genres and then listening to the melodies 
(and of course dancing to them). Many of the tracks are based upon the group's 
own 120 hours of field recordings. The leader of 
this band, Joshua Horowitz, has been very helpful to me, in creating this web page.
2) Wedding Without a Bride cd.
Buda Musique
Musique Du Monde, Paris 2000
The cd and extensive liner notes by Joshua Horowitz, will take 
you on a musical journey through a 19th century Galitsian Polish 
wedding-beginning with the Tsum Badekns(to the veiling of the bride) 
and ending with Firn Di Mekhutonim (leading the in-laws). Background 
information on many dances is given. These include the 
Broiges Tanz (with an interesting Chasidic version involving combat,
death and return to life), korohod, sirba, sher, mitzvah dance, koilitch tanz and more. 
The many customs associated with Jewish Galitsian weddings are discussed in detail.

Cochem, Corinne. Palestine dances! Behrman's Jewish Book House: New York, 1941. 
Among other pre-Israeli dances, this book has a version of the Sher. 
It is a simplified version but the styling is extremely vigorous.

Freehof, Florence. Jews are a Dancing People. San Francisco: Stark-Rath Print. and Pub. Co., 1954.
Many thanks to Dick Crum for sending me a number of  dance 
descriptions from this book. These seem to be choreographed dances incorporating 
Eastern European Jewish motifs and steps. Titles include: Broiges Dance, 
Sabbath Dance, Finjan Israeli Waltz, Jewish Wedding Dance, Chassidic and 
Mazel Tov Freilach. Some dances were choreographed by Fred Berk.

Friedhaber, Zvi. 1985-86. "The Dance with the Separating Kerchief," Dance Research Journal 17/2 & 18/1:65-69.
Traces the history of the Mitzvah Dance. Explains the customs associated with the Mitzvah Dance in different Jewish communities.

Feldman, Walter. "Bulgareasca/Bulgarish/Bulgar: The Transformation of a Klezmer Dance Genre,"
Ethnomusicology 38:1 (1994), 1-35.
The title says it all. An in depth exploration of the topic.

Friedland, LeeEllen. 1985-86. "Tantsn Is Lebn: Dancing in Eastern European Jewish Culture,"
Dance Research Journal 17/2 & 18/1:77-80.
A discussion of Eastern European Jewish dance focuses mainly on the freylekhs but also mentions other
dances like the sher. Discusses styling, body position as well as history.

Goodman, Karen.  Video "Come Let Us Dance, Lomir Geyn Tantsn," 2002.
Documentary/demonstration of the Sher and Freylekhs, including settings by Nathan Vizonsky.  Dances are 
taught by Miriam Rochlin, a noted member of the Los Angeles Jewish Cultural community since her
1940 arrival in the US from Germany.  To obtain a copy of the video visit Hatikvah Music International (credit cards 
accepted) or contact Karen Goodman (for questions or to purchase with cheques/money orders).

Goren, Ayalah. 1986. "The Ethnic Dance in Israel, with Selected filmography,"
Jewish Folklore and Ethnology Newsletter 8/3-4:1-6.
This provides good background information about the various types of Jewish ethnic dancing.

Ingber, Judith Brin. video "Dancing Into Marriage: Jewish Wedding Dances" 1982.
This is the video of a workshop on Jewish wedding dances which included Yemenite,
Persian and Eastern European dance sessions. For information about obtaining a copy of the video please contact
Judith Brin Ingber via http://ourworld.cs.com/jbrinIngber/

Ingber, Judith Brin. "Jewish Dance in Poland Between World War I and World War II," 
in proceedings of Society of Dance History Scholars (US) Conference, University of Minnesota, 1996.
This article summarizes fieldwork conducted by Jacek Luminski, and Judith Brin Ingber 
among elderly Jews in Poland. It explains the various processionals which were part of 
Jewish weddings in Poland between the two world wars. Interestingly, many different 
regional meanings of the term Mitzve Tanzl are described. The term might refer to 
dances that were obligated to be danced at a wedding like the Broiges Tanz or the Koilitch 
Tanz. The mitzve tanzl might also refer to a sort of line dance that is started by the 
mother of the bride, with guests joining the line until all are dancing. In yet another 
version, the dance had 3 sections: 1)Bride and groom dance together separated by a scarf 
2) All the guests snaking around the room 3)All the guests circling the bride and groom 
who continue to dance in the middle of the circle. Other dances done by Jews in different 
parts of Poland retained the "flavour" of the dances done by their non-Jewish neighbours, 
yet were danced differently by the Jews. Such dances included the czardas, the Cozak and serba.

Kaufman, Gert. No. 2 Sherele Palestine Folk Dance Series. Lion the Printer: Tel-Aviv, 1946
A choreographed version of the sher, more complex than other versions, no shining, 
no threading the needle. Based upon Gurit Kadman's (Kaufman) observations of European 
immigrants to Palestine. Styling more vigorous than that demonstrated in Dancing into Marriage video.

Klezmer Music: A Marriage of Heaven and Earth. Ellipsis Arts, 1996.
This is a compilation cd that's tucked into a book about klezmer music. There are interviews with musicians,
vintage photographs and lots of background information about the music and the dancing.
The Patsh Tanz (Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band) is the same melody traditionally used in folk dance groups
but is much more exciting to listen to. Working around the drum solo is a bit of a challenge but it can be done.
There is also a version of the Broiges Tanz as part of a medley (Ray Musiker & The Klezmatics).
I have used the Behusher Kusid (Budowitz) to do Vizonsky's Rekud or the Miztzvah Tanz.
See the review at the Klez Shack http://www.klezmershack.com

Kraus, Richard. Folk Dancing A Guide for Schools, Colleges, And Recreational Groups.
New York:MacMillan Company, 1962.
A book of international folk dance that has instructions for the Russian Sher including the thread the needle figure.

Kugelmass, Jack and Jonathan Boyaran. From a Ruined Garden The Memorial Books of Polish Jewry.
2nd edition. Bloomington and Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 1998.
This book contains many interesting chapters on life before, during and after the holocaust.
Dancing is mentioned in various chapters. There is a page long description of a wedding where the Broiges dance
was done (The Angry Dance), which gives the reader an idea of the social context of the dance.

Lapson, Dvora. Dances of the Jewish People. New York: Board of Jewish Education, 1954.
A time honoured reference book with dance instructions for choreographed versions of many of the dances
e.g., Patch Tanz, Sher, Broiges Dance.

Picon, Molly. Molly! An Autobiography. New York:  Simon and Shuster,1980.
Not really much on dance but explains but explains how Yidl with the Fidl was made. 

Rivkind, Isaac. Klezmorim Jewish Folk Musicians
A Study in Cultural History. New York:  Futuro Press,1960
This book is written in Hebrew. It was sent to me by Dick Crum(many thanks Dick), 
and we now have a group of volunteers working to translate it. If you'd like to 
help, please contact me. The book is full of information about the history of 
klezmer and also includes a chapter devoted to wedding dance customs. 
I would be happy to share the translation thus far with anyone. Please 
just e-mail me and I'll send it to you. Would like to thank everyone who 
has assisted with the translation effort.

Sendry, Alfred. The Music of the Jews of the Diaspora up to 1800. 
T. Yoseloff: New York, 1970.
This book has several sections that deal with dance during the middle ages. 
In the "Ghettos of Europe" chapter, the important role of dance as a release 
for pent up feelings and for exhibition is discussed. The Jewish dances of the
ghettos were unchoreographed, and kind of wild sounding. They were considered uncouth 
by the non-Jewish community; Judentantz was a derogatory term used, a "travesty of 
folk dances." The evolution of the tanzhaus, (a sort of dancehall) in 
Germany is explained. Dances of that place and time were: May Day Dance, Marching dance,
Springing Dance, Judentanz, Dance of the first Man, Dr. Foist (Faust), Fish Dance 
and the Dance of Death (popular at weddings!). Chasidic dance is explored 
including an unusual custom of the followers of R. Aaron Karliner called Kullyikes or "Rollers."
Men would roll on the ground in a dance rhythm prior to morning services, a "saintly practice."

Rubin, Ruth. Voices of a People The Story of Yiddish Folksong. Philadelphia:
The Jewish Publication Society of America., 1979.
This is a fascinating book with many examples of Yiddish songs. There is an entire chapter devoted to
wedding rituals and another devoted to dance related folk songs.

Vizonsky, Nathan. Ten Jewish folk Dances a Manual for Teachers and Leaders.
Chicago: American-Hebrew Theatrical League, 1942.
This is a book of dance descriptions, sheet music and folkloric information. Many of the dances
are choreographed for the stage so are not exactly the way they would have been done in communities.
Dances include: Mitzvah/Kosher Dance, Broiges Dance, Beggar Dance, Chassidic Dance,
Rekud, Simchas Torah Dance, Koilitch Dance, Fraelachs, Paatch Dance, Sherele (very simple version).

Vizonsky, Nathan. "The Evolution of the Jewish Folk-Dance"  in The Chicago 
Jewish Forum, Vol13 No. 1, Fall 1954, pp 45-50.
Further discussion of the dances described in his book.  Analysis of dance style of Eastern European
Jews, compared with Israeli dance and other European dance.

Zeitlin, Steven, AMJ Kotkin and Holly Cutting Baker. "The Wedding Dance" 
in A Celebration of Family Folklore Tales and Tradition from the 
Smithsonian Collection. New York: Panteon Books, 1982.
A discussion of one family's dance traditions focusing on the Kazatske
(Cossack dance).

Yiddish Language Films

Many films were made during the 1920's 1930's and 1940s for the Yiddish Cinema. Quite often the movies included weddings in which there were dance scenes. According to Michael Alpert's article "Freylekhs on Film..." some of the dances shown were good examples of the actual dance style. Others were more theatrical interpretations. By watching the dance sequences you get an idea of the overall styling and flavour of the dances. What I notice most is how everyone in the freylechs scenes more or less moves in their own way, whether by walking forwards or backwards, doing 2-steps, or literally kicking up their heels; nevertheless, the whole group manages to move as a unit in the same direction and nobody gets hurt!

Also take note of the small spaces used for dance areas. It's virtually in someone's living room with many concentric circles of dancers moving in very close quarters. No air conditioned aerobics studios in the Old Country!

These films have been re-released on video with subtitles and can easily be purchased on the internet. Be sure to compare prices. There seems to be a large difference in price from one vendor to another. If you're like me, working without funding, try contacting your local Jewish community centre. I found even in Calgary, several of these films are available for borrowing. Also, ask around; there may be people in your community who own collections of Yiddish videos that they are willing to share. In Toronto I noticed that some of the Russian video stores had Yiddish movies as did the Toronto Board of Jewish Education.

The Dybbuk 1937: This famous film contains the following dances:

Chasidic style dance done to a wordless nigun (melody)
Tapping Dance (probably the equivalent of Patch Tanz)
Dance of the Rich
Dance of the Poor
Beggar Dance
Dance of Death--very theatrical

Yidl With the Fidl:

This film shows a complete wedding with the accompanying dances. Molly Picon, 
in her autobiography, explains that the wedding scene 
utilized the actual residents of a shtetl (Kazmierz) in Poland. These people 
were totally confused by the situation since they were unfamiliar with film and 
could not understand why this wedding was going on for 30 consecutive hours. 
Also mystifying was the constant replenishment of the food between takes. 
From this I conclude that the dancing shown must have been the way 
people really danced in Kazmierz.  You have to watch carefully as the dance sequence is very 
short and each dance runs into the next one. Dances include:

Koilitch Dance--aka-two women and two challahs. The women sway around with the challahs as the wedding party enters the reception area. This dance does not appear to have any specific steps.

Grandmother's dance--The grandmother dances around a bit and then appears to collapse from the exertion

Broiges Dance (I think, but am not completely sure of this, your opinions welcome)--Three couples do a dance with specific footwork and movements. The turning away of the women's heads makes me think this is a version of the Broiges dance.

Freylekhs--everyone gets into this dance in their own way

Uncle Moses:

This movie also has a wedding in which the freylekhs is featured. I caught a glimpse of women holding large challahs in the room but the women don't look like they are dancing.

The movie is set in America. Note that men and women dance together in the circle.

The following movies are supposed to contain dance scenes but I haven't been able to view them:

Fishke Der Krumer

Mizrekh and Mayrev

The Purimshpiler

If you have seen them please send me your comments.

Online resources

The following links provide interesting information on klezmer music
which helps to put the dances in context:

ChasenJah-The Jamaican Jewish Wedding
See this delightful Jamaican/Jewish music/dance experience.  Enjoy the music of Beyond the Pale.

Jewish Music and Dance as recorded in Yizkor books
compiled by Helen Winkler
http://www.klezmershack.com/articles/winkler/yizkorlinks.html 

Jewish Musicians in Moldavia by Itsik Svarts
(Part of Ari Davidow's Klezmer Shack--there are many other
interesting articles here at the Klezmer Shack including cd reviews)
http://www.klezmershack.com/articles/1972.moldavia.shvarts.html

Di Naye Kapelye
Di Naye Kapelye web site includes numerous articles  about Jewish musical traditions and
klezmer families in Romania.  Much interesting info with more being added all the time. 
The group's cd also provides a totally different, but captivating klezmer sound.
www.dinayekapelye.com

Interview with the band Klezmorim re: the klezmer revival.
http://www.mhs.mendocino.k12.ca.us/MenComNet/Business/Retail/Larknet/ArtKlezmorimInterview

ROJINKES mit MANDELN (en Français) - descriptive information on Klezmer Music
http://borzykowski.users.ch

Swedish Klezmer Association (in Swedish) - Klezmer music and dance activities in Sweden
http://www.klezmer.nu

Historical Background Resources

Beyond the Pale-A Photo/Text exhibit explaining the history of Eastern European Jews
Follow the “Jews in the Russian Empire” thread for information on living conditions
during the 1800s and early 1900s.
http://www.friends-partners.org/partners/beyond-the-pale/index.html

Part of the Jewish University in Cyberspace lecture series.
This lecture gives background on Eastern European Jewish History
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/1046/9710/971029_j.html

The following links provide additional information on klezmer dance:

Wrapping Their Feet Around the Music-Yiddish Dance at KlezKanada 2003
http://www.forward.com/issues/2003/03.09.05/living2.music.html

Eastern European tunes set dancing feet in motion-
describes how Michael Alpert collected information on the dances.
www.shamash.org/jb/bk970124/ettunes.htm

L'viyat Kallah. Ever wonder about where some of our dance customs originated?
Visit this site to find out.
http://www.jewishgates.com/file.asp?File_ID=882

The web site for the band Brave Old World has information about
the dance workshops that Michael Alpert conducts.
http://www.braveoldworld.com/english/

Living Traditions  has workshops about klezmer dance. Living Traditions
offers KlezKamp, a true Yiddish cultural experience (hope I get to go some day).
http://www.livingtraditions.org/

The Wholesale Klezmer Band web site--this web site contains information on dance.
Members of this klezmer band also teach klezmer dance.
http://www.crocker.com/~ganeydn/

A Klez Act--Jacob Bloom's web page. Jacob teaches klezmer dance. His page includes information about klezmer dance and gives instructions for a version of the sher.
http://www.gis.net/~bloom/

This page searches the Mendele discussion group's archives.
There are a few postings about the Mezinke dance.
Perhaps other dance topics will be discussed in the future.
http://metalab.unc.edu/yiddish/mendeles.html/

Jewish-Music mailing list. You can subscribe to the Jewish Music e-mail discussion group from the address below. A variety of musicians and non-musicians participate in this discussion group. This group has led me to other resources.
http://www.ivritype.com/resources/jlists.html#jewish-music

A web site with information about many aspects of klezmer, including dancing.
Also festival notices
http://www.klezmer.co.uk

Der Bay resources on Yiddish Culture and Festival Listings
http://www.derbay.org

Contact Helen Winkler - Do you have a dance description to share or expertise in this area?
Email: winklerh@hotmail.com