Dances of the Yemenite Jews
A Lecture/Demonstration by Bruce Bierman

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

From the Jewish ghettos of Aden to the discos of Tel Aviv, the ecstatic rhythms of Yemenite music and dance have inspired generations of dancers, musicians, and choreographers. This participatory workshop will reveal the hand gestures, steps, and rich meanings behind one of the oldest and most authentic Jewish dance forms, dating back to the fall of the First and Second Temples. Participants will also learn one of the many Israeli folk dances inspired by the Yemenite tradition and watch video clips of a wedding, devotional dances from the Yemenite prayer book, and the seminal work of Israel's most celebrated Yemenite choreographer, Sara Levi Tenai.

Bruce Bierman is the artistic director of the San Francisco-based Jewish Dance Theatre, which creates collaborative ensemble work blending experimental performance with traditional Jewish dance and movement. Bruce holds his B.A. in Asian Theatre and Dance from U.C. Santa Cruz and has toured the country performing and teaching with the Aman Folk Dance Ensemble.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 - 7:30 pm

BJE Jewish Community Library
1835 Ellis Street, San Francisco - map
www.bjesf.org
415.567.3327 x 703

FREE