Local performers included Ruach Aviv and Zikukim, B’Yachad of Brandeis University and Kalaniot of Boston University, in addition to many teen and child groups who included Nilhav of Prozdor at Hebrew College, Kalu Raglayim of Worcester, Kol Hamizrach of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Newton and Keshet of JCDS.

The program of traditional horas and modern Israeli folk dance was preceded by a bustling Israeli market in the outside corridor. On display were food, books, CDs, Judaica and jewelry from Shuki's (owned by Kim Smith), art and women's talitot from Avinoam Lerner, and jewelry from Dayo Designs. In-Ya Face Painting was delighting children as well. The event was sponsored by the B’nai Brith Hillel Foundation at MIT.

Festival President Susan Gruber, who along with the rest of the staff works on a volunteer basis, explained that the market was new this year. “Our committee members wanted to include some extra activities for our 30th anniversary,” she said. Other “extras” this year included a Friday night Shabbat dinner, where out-of-town teen dancers from Madison, Wisconsin and Los Angeles mingled with Boston dancers of the same age. “We‘ve been planning this for three years,” said Gruber.

Dancers crowded the stage and ran down the aisles during the opening festival medley, “A Celebration of Dance,” and were followed by Kalaniot, decked in vivid blue and white. Los Angeles’ Israel Dance Troupe then gaily performed horas and debkas from Israel’s dance heritage. As ensemble after ensemble displayed extraordinary body movement and fleet footwork in elaborately costumed choreography, the soundtrack moved as well, from uplifting and patriotic orchestrations to more percussive tribal and desert beats, to traditional and multicultural rhythms.

A highlight was the 51-member group Sucaria, a Greater-Boston-based ensemble composed of parents and their toddler-to-teenaged children.
“The mothers of the director and assistant director are also coming in from out of state to dance,” said Gruber, who added, “Sucaria truly expresses the joy of dancing and the connection of families who work and play together.”

The Festival Weekend also included an Oneg Shabat Dinner on Friday at Congregation Beth El of Newton, and an Israeli folk dance party at Hebrew College on Saturday. Sponsored by Prozdor at Hebrew College, the event featured open dancing, requests, a Make-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Party, and a videotape showing of the 2005 Israel Folkdance Festival.

The festival has its roots in the Israeli folk dance community at MIT, and has been passed down through several generations of folk dancers. Gruber herself joined after the first festival, which was created in 1977 when dance enthusiast George Kirby brought seven groups to Brookline High School. Kirby remains an active Festival member today. “As I was an Israeli folk dancer and knew George, I was a natural,” she said.

“Our Boston Festival was founded to allow dancers to showcase their dance pieces and to share and learn from each other,” she continued, adding that it has never been a competitive event, nor limited to local dancers. “From the early years we have welcomed out-of-town groups, as well as dancers of all ages,” she said.

None of the adults are professional dancers, though many have performed with Israeli dance groups or in recreational folk dance. And they’re a mix: in the ranks are a professor at MIT, attorneys, architects, a nurse, a Jewish professional, and at-home parents.

“The Festival idea is powerful,” said Gruber. “The desire of folk dancers to participate in our annual effort these many years testifies to its ability to motivate. We contribute our talents, orchestrate them together, and reap the rewards. We continue to teach, to learn, and to have a blast every time.”

Save the date of March 7 2007 for the 31^st fest!