Israeli Horah (dance)
The Horah (הורה), which differs somewhat 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. It became the symbol of the reconstruction of the country by the socialistic-agricultural Zionist movement.[1] Although horah was culturally adopted from Southeast Europe, it became even more popular with the Jewish diaspora due to the Hora Agadati dance. In 1924, the dancer and choreographer Baruch Agadati choreographed a dance based on the Romanian Hora dance that became known as "Hora Agadati".[2][3] It was performed by the Ohel Workers' Theatre, which toured pioneer settlements in the Jezreel Valley. According to Gurit Kadman, the original melody was a Moldavian folk tune (Baruch Agadati was born in the Bessarabia Governorate) and Gurit asked Uriya Boskovitz to write a new one. About the same time Ze’ev Havatselet wrote lyrics to the tune[4] (found, e.g., in the Library of Congress[5]). Now the dance is usually performed to Israeli folk songs, and sometimes to Jewish songs, often to the music of "Hava Nagila".
To start the dance, everybody forms a circle, holding hands or interlocking arms behind their backs or on their shoulders,[1] and steps forward toward the left with the right foot, then follows with the left foot. The right foot is then brought back, followed by the left foot. This is done while holding hands and circling together in a fast and cheerful motion to the left. Large groups allow for the creation of several concentric circles, or a large spiral formation.
In the early days, horah was popular mainly in kibbutzim and small communities, often continuing for hours.[6]
The horah became popular in group dances throughout Israel, and at weddings and other celebrations by Jews in Israel, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. The dance appeared in North America in the early 20th century, well before modern Israeli independence, brought directly from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants.
At Jewish weddings during the horah it is customary to raise the bride and groom, each on their own chair and holding a handkerchief between them, following Jewish tradition. This is also done at b'nai mitzvah, where the honoree and sometimes his or her family members are also raised on a chair, copying the wedding tradition.
The song "Hora", sung by Avi Toledano, who represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 1982, is based on this dance.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Horah".
- ↑ 'Hora' History
- ↑ Sernovitz, Gary (2012-06-29). "I Do Not Want To Dance the Hora". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339.
- ↑ "Hora Agadati", israelidances.com
- ↑ "Shire Zeʼev Ḥavatselet - The songs of Zeev Havatselet"
- ↑ Hora history
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