Dear Festival Dance Leader,
This year’s Dance Festival will take place in New York City on Sunday, March 29, 2015.
We look forward to having you join us!
Are you no longer the contact person for your group? Is there a new group you would like to recommend to participate in the Festival? We appreciate your forwarding this mailing to your current group contact person, to new contacts and for providing us with updated and new group contact information.
B’Shalom,
Ruth, Honey and the Festival 64 Team
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GENERAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FOR PERFORMING GROUPS
The 64th annual Israel Folk Dance Festival and Festival of the Arts will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at the Martin Luther King Jr., Educational Campus located just across from Lincoln Center in New York City. MLK is a large, modern facility which perfectly accommodates both components of the Festival: the Arts Fair and the afternoon performance.
We are pleased to provide your group with information for this year’s Festival. The Festival provides an opportunity for dancers from near and far to be showcased in a meaningful and exciting performance of Israeli and Jewish culture. If you are aware of any other groups, please feel free to forward their contact information to us and share this information with them.
Enclosed is an APPLICATION for this year’s Festival. A checklist is included to ensure that you submit materials in a timely manner. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered for this year’s Festival. Please remember, since we have a large number of groups applying for spots in the Festival, it is crucial that you follow the application guidelines. In addition to the application, you will find a suggested list of sub-themes to help your group prepare an appropriate, thematic piece for submission to the festival committee. Selections of sub-theme and music will be given on a first come, first served basis. Finally, if you are not applying to perform in this year’s festival, please fill out and return the contact information section so that we can keep our records current. If you have any questions regarding the please
do not hesitate to contact us:
Mail: Israeli Dance Institute – Israel Folk Dance Festival
JCRC – Suite 1607
225 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10122
Phone: 212-983-4806 x 143
Cell: 917-689-7677
E-mail: Festvial@israelidanceinstitute.org
Honey Goldfein, Fesitval Coordinator (direct)
Phone: 516-481-8782
Cell: 516-978-7996
E-mail: honeykesher@earthlink.net
Steve Weintraub, Assistant director (direct)
Cell: 708-359-8772
E-mail:dancinsteve@comcast.net
We will be in touch and are excited to work with you on this year’s Festival!
Ruth Goodman, Festival Director
Honey Goldfein, Festival Coordinator
Steve Weintraub, Assistant Director
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64th Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival
RULES and REGULATIONS for FESTIVAL DANCE GROUPS
1. All dance themes, music selections, and props – this includes scarves, veils, bells and other costume embellishments – must be cleared with the Festival Staff. Groups must consist of a minimum of eight performers. Each group’s presentation must be limited to five minutes. If you are constructing a new piece, make sure its length conforms to the five minute requirement. If you are presenting a pre-existing choreography, be sure to choose one that fits the guidelines or edit and rework your piece so that it is no longer than five minutes. We are happy to assist you in meeting these guidelines. If possible, please submit multiple performance options so that we may choose the piece best suited to give your group the best exposure within the context of the entire Festival program. Any other considerations must be addressed at the beginning of the application process.
2. A song or dance cannot be used more than once in the program. Therefore, before you commit your group to a musical selection, make sure that it has been approved. Music requests are honored on a first come, first served basis.
3. We will need to view your piece by January 9, 2015. All groups must submit a DVD / video. A video file or link may be sent via Email. (If you are unable to send your video via email, please let us know and we will provide a mailing address.) It should include a complete sketch of your piece from beginning to end, however it need not be performance quality. The video should also include any props you may be using and a sample of your intended costume. Groups should be prepared to be visited by the director and/or a member of the Festival artistic staff. Please contact the IDI office to make arrangements for a staff visit to attend one of your rehearsals.
4. Contact Ken Avner, our audio director to confirm music sources and arrangements. Many pieces of music exist in several versions. Please be sure that Ken knows exactly which one you are using – the name of the song, artist, and source (CD, DVD, etc). You will need to provide Ken with an edited copy of your entire performance piece by January 16, 2015. This copy need not be performance quality. Ken will re-edit the music and confirm the selection with you. Remember that music editing can include the shortening and/or re-ordering of phrases within a song.
5. Groups are encouraged to wear their own costumes. Your design and pattern must be confirmed with the Festival staff by January 16, 2015. There are limited costumes available on a rental basis from the Israeli Dance Institute’s Costume Bank. This requires a deposit of $100 – $300 (price varies according the type and number of costumes selected) in addition to the rental fee. The deposit will be returned when the costumes are returned in good condition, individually dry cleaned and pressed. Contact Honey, (honeykesher@earthlink.net) for information on available costumes.
6. Leaders must make sure that their groups are rehearsed and ready for a public performance by March 1, 2015. Choreography, music, props, narration, and costumes are finalized and set.
7. All groups participate in the Festival’s Opening and Finale.
8. If any part of your application is incomplete you will not be considered to perform in the Festival. Follow the checklist enclosed in this packet to ensure that ALL materials are submitted on time. Please feel free to contact us by email or by phone on 917-689-7677 to go over any questions and to confirm all aspects of your presentation.
We will be in regular contact with your group. Further information regarding program listings, the ad journal, rehearsal schedules at the Festival, and tickets for the 62nd Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival will be forthcoming.
Preparation for the Festival takes a lot of team effort. We greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation making the Festival an enjoyable and memorable experience for us all.
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64th Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival
APPLICATION – ONLINE SUBMIT FORM
64th Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival
APPLICATION (TEXT ONLY)
please fill out and return by November 3
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Name of Performing Group: ___________________________
Number of dancers: Male ____ + Female ____ = Total ______ Age range: __________
Organizational Affiliation: ___________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Primary Contact – Group Leader Secondary Contact
Name ______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip, ________________________________________________________
Country _____________________________________________________________
Phone / Cell __________________________________________________________
Fax ________________________________________________________________
E-mail __________________________________ ____________________________
Theme and Music Requests: Please include all pieces that your group would have ready to
perform in this year’s Festival. Music is reserved on a first come first served basis. Please make
sure that both Ken Avner and the Festival office receive your music requests so that we can confirm
them for you by December 1st. Please note that each group’s presentation is limited to five minutes.
Theme/Title of Piece Music
I. _______________________________ __________________________________________________
II. ______________________________ ___________________________________________________
III. ______________________________ ___________________________________________________
IV. ______________________________ ___________________________________________________
Do any of the pieces listed above incorporate props and/or narration? Are any of these pieces
performed with less than your full ensemble of dancers? Please answer and include any other
comments or questions regarding the selections in the space below.
The Arts Fair, prior to the performance, shares in the enthusiasm and excitement of the
Festival. There is community dancing, singing, Israeli foods, and exhibits. The Fair’s
marketplace includes organizational displays and a variety of Israeli, Judaica, and craft
vendors. We will gladly provide vendor information for individuals and organizations in your
community.
Arts Fair Vendor Contacts:
Questions or Comments:
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• You will receive confirmation and further information within one week of our receiving your completed form
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64th Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival
TIMETABLE CHECKLIST
The chart below is for your reference so that you may keep track of all materials which you need to submit to the festival committee.
Please be sure to submit your materials on time.
DATE ITEM WHERE TO SEND IT
____ November 3 Application information Email to IDI
____ December 1 Music requests confirmation Ken Avner & IDI
____ January 9 Video of performance piece(s) Email or IDI officeor visit by Festival staff
____ January 9 *Program information Email or IDI office
____ January 16 Music, edited as you want it arranged Ken Avner
____ January 16 Costume confirmation Email or IDI office
____ February 9 *Group or community ads for Email or IDI office
program journal
____ March 1 Your group is performance quality (N/A)
____ March 6 *Group Ticket Orders due IDI Office and Honey
* You will receive more detailed guidelines for these items separately.
USEFUL ADDRESSES / CONTACT INFO
Israeli Dance Institute – Israel Folk Dance Festival
JCRC – Suite 1607
225 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10122
E-mail: Festival@israelidanceinstitute.org
Ken Avner – Audio Director
14916 Joshua Tree Rd
North Potomac MD 20878
Tel: 240-720-1036
E-mail: ken@kenavner.com
Steve Weintraub – Assistant Director / Creative Consultant
Cell: 708-359-8772
E-mail:dancinsteve@comcast.net
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64th Annual Israel Folk Dance Festival
THEME/GENRE SUGGESTIONS
The Festival performance portrays the cultural variety that traditional and contemporary Israeli Folk Dance embodies. Please consult the list below to help mold your performance presentation. Feel free to add your own ideas keeping in mind that each piece should reflect a clear and thoughtful theme. Here are some additional helpful hints in designing your piece:
First, choose your theme and then choose music suited to that theme. Your presentation should be a coherent expression based on one idea rather than several separate, unrelated parts. Please remember to choreograph your entrance and exit as part of your presentation so that the flow of the Festival will be seamless. Appropriate costumes, props and narration will enhance your presentation. Dance is more than just steps and movements. It provides a visual vehicle to convey a story and makes timeless ideas relevant to today’s audience.
The list below includes a review of past Festival themes:
“If I am beaten by the whole world…DAVKA I will go out and dance.” (M. Warshavsky)
(1974 Festival in light of the Yom Kippur War)
Drachim Mimei Kedem – Millenia Crossroads: (1984)
Mi Yark’tei Aretz (From the corners of the World)…
Eyt Livnot (A time to Build)…
Yom Chadash (A New Day)
Zohi Rak Hahatchala – This is only the Beginning (1985)
Hatchalot (Beginnings)…
Sasson (Joy)…
Ahava (Love)…
Shalom (Peace)
Tzivei Hashalom – The Colors of Peace (1986)
Gvanim Mimei Kedem (Shades of the Past)
Gvanei Hamizrach (Shades of the East)
Gvanei Hama’arav (Shades of the West)
Tzivei Yisrael (Colors of Israel)
Lu Y’hi – Let it Be (1991 – after the scuds)
Me’ever Lazman (Across Time)…
V’Lamerchav (And Space)…
Tikvah (Hope)…
L’Shalom (For Peace)
Adama – Earth
Sadot Machol (Fields of Dance, 2006)
Neot Machol (Oasis of Dance, 2013)
Adama Rokedet (The Earth Dances, 2014)
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I. Israel through time
“The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12 – Festival theme, 1952)
A. Biblical
1. Noah, animals, a miracle involving the land or water
2. The promise of the Covenant
3. Moshe and the Spies – A Land of Milk and Honey
4. Crossing the Red Sea (Miriam’s Dance); wandering in the desert
B. Holidays (“Chagim – Festival theme, 1967)
1. Shiva’at Haminim – The Seven Fruits
2. Harvest – seasonal holidays
a. Shavuot – story of Ruth; receiving of Torah
b. Pesach – Seder stories; desert; Spring Festival
c. Succoth – building or celebrating in a succah; four fruits
3. A Purim Spiel
4. Tu B’shvat – Holiday of the trees
C. Milestones in Modern Israel (Am Shav El Admato – A People Returns to its Land, 1992 Festival)
1. The Kibbutz movement
2. Aliyot
3. Re-unification of Jerusalem
4. On the road to peace
II. Nationalities – the People of Israel (Mosaic of a People – 1977 Festival theme)
A. European
1. Russian, Polish, Ukrainian
2. Hungarian, Romanian
3. Greek
4. Spanish
B. Middle Eastern/African
1. Yemenite; Moroccan
2. Bedouin; Druze
3. Ethiopian
4. Arabic
5. Turkish; Kurdish
C. Religious/Other
1. Chasidic, Sephardic customs (example: wedding, Memuna)
2. Tsfat and Jewish mysticism (example: greeting the Shabbat Queen)
3. Folk (early decades of modern Israel)
4. American (Western)
5. Latin America
6. Modern Israel (contemporary music, form, and style)
THE CHAIN WILL NOT BE BROKEN (Festival theme, 1981)
THE TIME… THE PEOPLE… THE LAND
If you need help choosing a theme or music, contact us soon. If you have chosen music already, build a theme around it and add to it. If you need help editing your music or finding a particular of your music, please contact our audio director, Ken Avner, for assistance.
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