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Machol Hungaria: Discovering Judaism through Israeli Folk Dance
In a spacious, green, summer camp in a rustic part of Hungary, adorned with trees and small wooden cabins, over 170 individuals, aged 16 to 60, moved their dancing feet for days straight, from sunrise to sunset. Returning late at night to rest and recoup their energies, these enthusiasts could hardly wait until the following morning when, bright and early, they would start again.
Attracting participants from 17 countries of Europe and the former Soviet Union, JDC-sponsored Machol Hungaria is the largest International Israeli Folk Dancing Seminar in Europe today. This year’s event, from May 1st-6th, marked the festival’s 9th anniversary. While the primary aim of Machol Hungaria is to gather and train folk dance enthusiasts from around the region, it has even broader implications: a gateway to Judaism. According to Gyorgy Forgacs, Seminar organizer and founder of Hora Budapest (a local folk dancing group), the seminar not only provides a milieu for learning new dance techniques, but also "transmits Jewish traditions, customs, history, religion, culture, the scenery of Israel, and more!" And all of this is done through the creative medium of dance. With support from JDC, Seminar organizers were once again able to invite well-reputed dance teachers from Israel, as well as assist a large number of participants who otherwise would not have been able to attend. The training in the seminar is divided into various levels for beginners, intermediate, and advanced dancers and there are various workshops to select from, such as: drumming, choreography, specialized dances for couples or occasions such as Shabbat, and Oriental movements with their influence on folk dances. Apart from the traditional lessons for participants, local dance instructors also learn how to develop their folk dance sessions. Hence, they have the role of both teachers and students, and at the end of the Seminar, each teacher returns to his/her own country with two dozen new dances to teach in their communities. Each year, a new theme characterizes the Seminar: Jewish holidays, Chassidic and Yemenite-style weddings, the Greek influence on folk dances, and the establishment of the State of Israel are among past motifs. This year’s theme was "Jews around the World," highlighting the colorful diversity and richness of Jewish culture around the globe. From Ashkenazi to Ladino and Mizrachi to Mediterranean, all styles and influences converge in Israel to create a vibrant fusion which characterizes contemporary Israeli folk dancing. Similarly, this theme evokes the plurality of Jewish people living in Europe today. Over the course of the Seminar, participants were reminded that while Jews may be different from one another, these differences are a source of beauty and strength, and like a heart with many chambers, all pound together in a harmonious beat. In addition to the daily workshops, performances were staged each night of the week. One such performance was a lively staging of the story of "Aladin," where participants dressed up in costumes and crafted an imaginative setting for the play. Working together on such projects enabled participants to bond and overcome linguistic and cultural barriers. "In the beginning, everyone was a stranger, coming from a different country and speaking a different language," said Petra, one of the younger participants from Hungary. "But now, after a week of dancing, performing, singing, cooking, reciting passages from the Torah, and celebrating our Jewish heritage together, it feels like we are all members of a big family. It’s amazing how music and dance can unite people!" The confluence of the natural, kibbutz-like setting of the Szarvas campgrounds and ‘harkada’ (massive dancing) lends a unique dimension to this event. "Had we decided to hold the event in the city, the result would have been completely different," explained Gyuri Nadhazy, one of the main organizers of Machol Hungaria. Indeed, the absence of city distractions produced an ambiance of intimacy and peace, enabling participants to be fully immersed in the Seminar’s activities and connect with one another. But dance was not the only activity that occupied participants throughout the week. Late-night collective cooking (the menu included unique dishes like hummus soup), discussion circles, singing, and arts and crafts all helped participants bond and learn from one another. Even the Shabbat service presented a medley of dances and songs arranged by participants from each country. The Romanians performed and sang "Lecha Dodi," the Hungarians prepared a multi-voice creative performance of "Adon Olam," and other Shabbat songs were later sung at dinner by the entire group of Machol participants. This multicultural Shabbat experience was both joyful and deeply moving. One of the most notable and inspiring developments this year was the presence of middle-generation participants, many of whom had never experienced Israeli folk dancing. Thanks to JDC outreach initiatives, a large group of middle-aged participants from Romania came to Machol and danced alongside their younger counterparts. Several of these individuals, who proved they are "young at heart," have children who grew up at JDC-Lauder International Summer Camp at Szarvas, which gathers thousands of Jewish youth from over 20 countries in celebration of Jewish life and identity. The adults became ‘infected’ with their children’s love for the camp and what it represents. Lya came to Machol this year with her daughter Dana, who is active as a dance teacher and choreographer in her community in Bucharest, Romania. "My daughter loves dance, and seeing her inspired me to register for the event," explained Lya. "But to be completely honest, I didn’t expect to find such high levels of energy and professionalism, not to mention the rich Jewish content." Verona, another middle-aged dance novice, spoke of her longing to rediscover her Jewish identity. Commenting on the strong educational aspect of Machol, she noted: "Apart from the dances, I really enjoyed the Oneg Shabbat ceremony where I learned many new songs and prayers." Stories shared by so many of the participants serve as testaments to the impressive Jewish revival currently underway among the young and middle generation in Central and Eastern Europe. Machol Hungaria, with its employment of rikud (dance), shira (singing), and theater, as well as a strong emphasis on Jewish culture, is much more than a dance Seminar—it is indeed a powerful conduit of Jewish tradition and culture in the region. May 2007 |
