Edmonton’s Aviv Israeli Folk Dancers perform in Florida

By Jenna Vetsch

(AJNews) – This past May, ten representatives from the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association (AIFDA) travelled to Florida for an unforgettable experience. AIFDA’s Artistic Director, Sari Uretsky, alongside two chaperones and seven dancers met other people from around the world to perform, share knowledge, and bond over their love of Israeli dance. The adventure began in Orlando for a thrilling several days in the Disney theme parks. In between exploring the parks, the Aviv dancers performed alongside dancers from Brazil at the Disney Springs Waterside Stage. “Everyone in the crowd seemed to have so much fun, and watching the massive smile on Sari’s face was an energy booster,” shared Aviv dancer, Rachel Kondor.

The Aviv dancers participated in a Disney Dance Audition workshop taught by one of Disney’s professional dancers. It was eye-opening and motivating for the participants to learn from a person who has made a career out of their passion. Afterwards, they were able to watch the same teacher perform in Hollywood Studios’ Beauty and the Beast show.

Once the Orlando portion of the trip came to an end, AIFDA travelled to Miami to participate in the 28th annual Festival Yachad, the largest Israeli dance festival in North America. Roger Weiger is the Performing Arts Director at the Michael-Ann Russel JCC, and AIFDA was thrilled to accept his invitation to this year’s dance festival. Every year, the extravagant gala performance showcases hundreds of dancers from around the world at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The last time AIFDA attended this festival was in 2018, so it was a special experience for returning Edmonton dancers to witness the event six years later.

Over 1000 dancers performed in the gala show with each piece having 40-60 dancers fill the stage and showcasing dancers from five different countries. One of the Aviv dancers reflected how she was continually wowed throughout the show. “My biggest highlight was when we sang Hatikvah before the big gala show. I have never heard so many voices (over 1500) singing our national anthem together. It was emotional and heartwarming.” Another memorable moment was from the dance number titled Hope which was originally performed in a show created after October 7th that has toured worldwide. Sari described it as a moving and stunning performance.

After the show, Canada’s representatives were awarded a special trophy for participation in the 28th Annual Festival Yachad by Roger Weiger.

Leading up to the gala show on Sunday May 26th, the Aviv dancers, instructors, and chaperones participated in a variety of activities in Miami. On Friday, the dancers were bussed to the Jewish Community Center to perform for members of the Senior League, preschool children, and members-at-large. The Aviv dancers performed alongside dance groups from Mexico and Costa Rica. After the show, world renowned leaders from Miami, Israel, and Argentina held an Israeli dance workshop to teach the dancers new line and circle dances. “We will bring these new dances home and perform them for audiences in Edmonton and around Canada,” Sari said. “One of the best things about this whole weekend was seeing youth from different countries who spoke different languages dance together as one. Dance is our common language.”

There were plenty of bonding opportunities between the out-of-town groups which fostered new and meaningful relationships. Groups from Brazil, Miami, and Panama eventually joined the activities which included Shabbat dinner, singing, dancing, a pool party, shopping, and eating.

Sari considers this project a huge success which is echoed by the other participants. “The smiles and tears on the faces of the participants at the end of the weekend leaves no doubt. We will take away so many great memories. We are deeply grateful.” The Aviv dancers were invited to perform at multiple festivals next year, including in Mexico City, Brazil, and Panama. AIFDA was also able to invite these groups to attend Festival Hatzafon in Edmonton in the coming years.

The Miami portion of AIFDA’s trip was supported by the Edmonton Arts Council and the City of Edmonton. This opportunity was also made possible through the AGLC Casino and AIFDA’s fundraising efforts.

Overall, the 10-day action-packed trip imbued the AIFDA dancers and coach with an abundance of joy and pride for what they do. They gained invaluable skills and knowledge to incorporate within the organization and continue elevating the Israeli dance scene in Edmonton.

Are you looking for a way to stay active, meet new people, and experience the world of Israeli dance?

Join AIFDA’s 2024/25 Israeli dance season today! They offer classes for those in kindergarten through to adulthood.

Visit www.aifda.ca to register yourself and/or your child. Contact aifdaedmonton@gmail.com with any questions.