The Israeli Hora is a lively and celebratory circle dance that originates from Israel and is popular in Jewish and Israeli communities around the world. Dancers form a circle and hold hands while moving in a synchronized manner to the beat of the music. The dance is often performed at joyous occasions such as weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and other festive events. The Hora typically involves energetic steps and enthusiastic movements, creating a sense of unity and celebration among the participants. It is a vibrant expression of Israeli culture and is cherished for its lively and communal spirit.
Objectives
Motor: Students will be able to execute basic motions of hora dance (lateral slide steps, grapevines-twists around each other, and hand grips) for one round while following along a video or music in ¾ trial during the activity portion of class, and verbally prompted by the instructor.
Cognitive: Students, during the closure portion of class will be able to identify correct and incorrect movement for the hora when shown a visual demonstration, and verbally prompted by the instructor.
Affective: Students tell a partner about their favorite moment of that Hora dance, encouraging an appreciation for recreation and intimacy with the dance, during the closure portion of the activity, when verbally prompted by the instructor.
Skill Focus: Dance and Rhythm
Equipment
Media device(Laptop, projector, tablet, speaker, etc.)
Open space
Song or tempo of ~137 BPM
Activity Description
Students will form a circle and link hands with fellow classmates. Then the instructor will instruct them in basic movements of the Hora dance and teach how to do it together as one.
Step to the side with the left foot.
Right foot crosses behind the left.
Step to the side with the left foot again.
Hop on your left foot.
Kick with your right foot.
Step and hop with the right foot.
Kick with the left.
Repeat
They will then dance while gradually learning transitions and handholds, building up group unity. The activity will climax with a spirited group dance of the Hora, an Israelite folk dance in which students can let loose their joy.
