Festival Hatzafon is coming to Edmonton: March 15

by Jenna Vetsch, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter 

(Edmonton) – As the winter months pass and spring draws closer, our community can look forward to a season filled with exciting events, including the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association’s (AIFDA) annual Festival Hatzafon—Alberta’s only Israeli dance festival.  

Festival Hatzafon celebrates Edmonton’s youth and adult dancers through a vibrant program of choreographies that blend traditional and contemporary Israeli dance styles. Proudly presented by Title Sponsors Cristine and Barry Slawsky, this year’s festival will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Westbury Theatre. Guests are invited to stay for a light reception following the performance, generously sponsored by Pauline Uretsky.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Sari Uretsky and Assistant Artistic Director Abby Wright, Festival Hatzafon 2026 is inspired by the theme “One,” exploring the importance of togetherness, unity, and shared cultural expression. Tickets can be found on AIFDA’s website, www.aifda.ca.  

Rikud and Aviv dancers spend months learning, rehearsing, and creating alongside their peers and instructors to present a meaningful performance for family, friends, and the broader community. The festival also welcomes the return of out-of-town performers from Vancouver’s Israeli dance group, Orr Chadash, continuing a longstanding relationship built on many years of artistic collaboration. A Friday night dinner, sponsored by KBS Developments, will take place prior to the show, providing an opportunity to foster connection and celebrate with visiting guests.  

In addition to this year’s Title, Reception, and Friday Night Dinner Sponsors, Festival Hatzafon is made possible through the generous support of community organizations that help bring its vision to life each year. AIFDA wishes to thank the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation (EJCCF) for assisting with theatre rental costs. They also thank the Jewish Federation of Edmonton, powered by the United Jewish Appeal, for funding key logistical components to ensure a smooth and professional event. AIFDA is grateful to the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada (NCJWC), Edmonton Section, for supporting their commitment that no dancer is turned away due to financial hardship. The festival also values its ongoing partnership with the Talmud Torah Society, which provides subsidized rehearsal space for youth dancers. Not to be forgotten, the dedicated volunteers and dancers’ parents are foundational to the festival’s success, generously contributing their time, energy, and support to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all participants and attendees.  

AIFDA’s Executive Board, teachers, and dancers, are excited to present Festival Hatzafon 2026 and look forward to welcoming audiences to experience the energy, creativity, and joy of Israeli dance.  

Grab tickets for you and the family at www.aifda.ca.