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JCC SHALOM DANCERS

OUR GOAL
The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver Shalom Dancers act as good will ambassadors on behalf of the Greater Vancouver Jewish Community. The Shalom Dancers hope to promote tolerance, understanding, friendship, peace and education through their choreographed folk dance performances.

The Shalom Dancers saw a need in the community for a performing Israeli dance group. They rehearsed long hours at the Talmud Torah and at that time they paid for their own costumes and other expenses.In 1983 the Shalom Dancers disbanded due to lack of funds for rehearsal facilities and other expenses. The need for a performing group was so great that in 1984 the dancers regrouped due to generous support from Beth Israel Synagogue, and Fund and Council. It was at this time that the Shalom Dancers made their successful comeback.

In 1985 the Jewish Community Centre invited the Shalom Dancers to make the Jewish Community Centre their home and thus they became the "Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver Shalom Dancers". They continue to enjoy an excellent working relationship and greatly appreciate the JCC's support. The dancers show tremendous commitment to the group, undertaking all aspects of rehearsal and production on a volunteer basis. The JCC Shalom Dancers take great pride in the diversity of their repertoire, successfully adding two new works each year. Through the years, the group has performed works by talented choreographers from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Mexico, Israel, Boston and the Ukraine.The dancers have a busy schedule performing an average of ten to twelve times each year.

Contemporary Israeli- Though over 50 years have passed ,the state of Israel continues ever strong and vigilant. There is a rejoicing in a land of one's own ..a land for all Jews..the Land of Israel. Here you will hear a medley of time honoured songs that reflect the youthful, high spirited energy of contemporary Israeli dance. (Hatishma Koli, Hora, Hora Galil, Shma Israel, 50 Years, Sabbath Solo)
Yemenite- These dances remember the Jews from Yemen who for many, the only way to realize their dream of returning to the Land of Israel was by walking. Delicate hand and finger movements and light bouncy flexed foot movements, help to tell the story of a community coming together to work, build , establish, live and love. (Shirat Teyman, Shuvi Shuvi, Rachamim, Kehila, El Shadai)
Eastern European - Enjoy a glimpse of the life of the Jewish people in the old small villages in Europe, depicting a sense of close knit community and religious spirit.These dances portray the dance styles from the neighbouring countries. (Shtetl, Chassidic, Russian Solo, Hava Nagila, Women’s Dance)
Sephardic - These dances draw upon the rich and colourful influences of the Jewish people's life in Spain. During the Spanish Inquisition the Jewish people were forced to convert to Christianity or face expulsion from Spain. Those that migrated to friendlier countries brought with them the flirtatious flair and energetic spirit of this vibrant culture. (Spanish Flair)
Arabic - Here you will see strong bouncy footwork, using heel toe movements, depicting the hot desert sands; strength and honour is shown by lines of dancers linking arms joined at the shoulders; or hands held and bent at the elbow; the Arabic influence is demonstrated by strong head movements and upright upper bodies( Shuvi-Shuvi) Back to Top
OUR PERFORMANCES
These are just a few... * Karmiel Dance Festival (Israel) * Festival Aviv (Mexico City) * Friends of the PNE * Tum Balalaika- A Shared Heritage * Israeli Street Festival at Beth Tikvah Synagogue * Interfaith Brotherhood * Faces of the World-Coquitlam Festival * Kitsilano Showboat * Rhythms of the World-Gateway Theatre * Chutzpah-Showcase of Jewish Performing Arts * Cathay Pacific Chinese New Year Celebration * Greek Days * BC Day Burnaby Village Museum * B.C.T.V. Show of Hearts Telethon * World Dental Convention * Global Citizenship Youth Congress * Israel at 50- Orpheum Theater * Combined Jewish Appeal Gala * Chanukah and Purim at the JCC/Norman Rothstein Theatre * Israel week at UBC and SFU * Jericho Folk Festival Back to Top

PERFORMANCE COMMENTS
“...people such as you have so much to offer to our community. We had such wonderful feedback and our community was well represented." Connie Permack, Israel at 50- Coordinator Stage Events (1998)

Visit us for good music and great dances. New dancers are always welcome!!!

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