AVANSCENA

A JEWISH WEDDING DANCE

OPPRESSION OF JEWS HISTORICALLY

From the time of the Pharaohs of Egypt to the totalitarian regime of
Hitler in Germany, Jews have been mercilessly tortured and
discriminated against.
The persecution of Jews was mainly spurred by religious and
nationalistic sentiments. Christians felt revolted by the Jewish beliefs
regarding Jesus, and were encouraged to look down upon them.

DISCRIMINATION, STEREOTYPES, BIGOTRY

Politicians frequently blamed Jews for all the problems their society was
facing.
Hitler regarded the Semitic race to be inferior to their own race. Thus,
anti-Jewish feelings spread rapidly due to negative stereotypes.
Nations had fused anti-Jewish discrimination in their law book.
People regarded Jewish persecution as naturalmuch like how white
masters regarded their African slaves as mere pieces of property.

EVOLUTION OF JEWISH DANCE

Dance was used to express various emotions of the group
Their own style and traditions have endured, including such moral rules
as never dancing with the opposite sex at official events and functions
Nothing has been lost in Jewish dance, it has been retained

THE DANCERS
Men and Women
The Avanscena
Each group dances separately, yet collectively, then together
Separation of man and women, then symbolizes the union
Jewish wedding ceremony dance
No sexual or sensual movements

MOVEMENT
Uplifted arms, large gestures, and free flowing.
Strong, light feeling with skipping and hopping. Very energetic.
A wedding is the happiest day of ones life
Line dancing in unison
Pointed toe like ballet
Dancing is vital to their culture because thats how they express joy

SPACE

Angular body movements, not many bends or curves

Dancers form a circle occasionally
Positive and negative

ACCOMPANIMENT & PROPS

Violin, traditional harps, woodwind instruments.
Men wear a traditional white robe, or kittel, and women wear fancy
gold and brown accented dresses. Men also wear long, black coats and
top hats.
Candles on womens heads
Wine glass/bottle on top of heads

WHAT YOU SEE IN AMERICA

Jews continue to create and influence dance in countless ways
The circle dance
American Ballet

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC & POLITICAL

STRUCTURES TODAY
Today, it is considered extremely evil to even speak against Jews and
anything associated with them.
We Jews still prepare ourselves to fight the things the world plans on
doing to us. It aint true Jews are not victims. We are the players.
J.J.Goldberg [in Siverstein, B., p. 5]

APPRECIATION
Growth through oppression
Influence in ballet
Strong-held traditions

HAVA NAGILA!

(LET US REJOICE)