Israeli dance - Horah

Описание

Some pictures on the Israeli Jewish Horah dance, one of the most popular dances of Israeli Folklore along with Temani, Atari and Flamenco.

The Horah (הורה), which is somewhat different from that of some of the Eastern European countries, is widespread in the Jewish diaspora and played a foundational role in modern Israeli folk dancing.
Originally from Zikhron Ya'akov, it became the symbol of the reconstruction of the country by the socialistic-agricultural Zionist movement.

To start the dance, everybody forms a circle, holding hands, and steps forward toward the right with the left foot, then follows with the right foot. The left foot is then brought back, followed by the right foot. This is done while holding hands and circling together in a fast and cheerful motion to the right. Large groups allow for the creation of several concentric circles.
In the early days, Horah was popular mainly in the Kibbutzim and small communities. Later it became a must in group dances throughout Israel, and at weddings and other celebrations by Jews in Israel, the United States and Canada.