Photo taken by Daniella Harel. David Ornstein is third from the left wearing red suspenders. by Maya Shapira.The 3rd annual Tel Aviv Summer Swing Fest offers a new special track for complete beginners
David Ornstein & Rena Khayat
(Both ex Americans, David and Rena are Israel’s leading Lindy Hop teachers and they head the Swing department at “Dance Tel Aviv” – Israel’s largest school for social dancing. Rena, a former Ballroom and Latin teacher, moved to NYC in 2000 where she spent 7 years studying, teaching and performing Lindy Hop. Rena moved to Israel 5 years ago with the dream of creating a Swing community in Israel. Starting with just a handful of students, Rena joined forces with David, a former professional ballet and modern dancer, and their student body has grown to over 120 Lindy hop students to date.
Today Dance Tel Aviv is the heart of the lively Israeli Swing community. As the co-owner of Dance Tel Aviv, Rena is also very busy further promoting and developing Swing dance in Israel. Some of her latest projects have included choreographing a lindy hop routine for the Israeli version of the TV show “Dancing with the Stars”, and organizing the annual international Tel-Aviv Swing festival.)
I can’t believe it’s only been a year since last year’s Swing Festival, it seems like so much has happened since then. With all that’s changed, the one thing that’s stayed constant in my life is dancing Lindy Hop. Dancing has brought so much joy to my life, that I feel the need the share this secret with anyone who will listen.
Lindy Hop, the original source of Swing dances, was created in the US during the early 1930’s at the legendary Savoy ballroom in Harlem, New York. It’s an energetic dance danced to jazz music, and has been growing and regaining its popularity throughout the world since the 1980’s.
There seems to be something about this particular type of partner dance that makes people happy. I suppose it’s hard to keep a straight face during a dance in which bouncing is an essential part! It’s a highly addictive activity and I’d recommend to anyone to give it a try, even if you feel you have two left feet. I’m still as enthusiastic about Lindy Hop as I was when I started, if not more so.
Lucky for you, a great opportunity to start is just around the corner in the form of a Beginner Boot Camp at the Tel Aviv Summer Swing Fest. This includes a weekend of intensive workshops with world-known instructors and parties in which you can practice and have fun with what you’ve learned.
The three workshops include Lindy Hop, Charleston and Authentic Jazz fundamentals, which will provide you with a wide base from which to start enjoying the dance. After the classes are over, Saturday night will bring you a Lindy Hop & Blues party. Then, on Sunday, there will be a jumpin’ party at the Panorama Dance Floor, with an 18 piece live Big Band, a vintage attire dress code and the 2012 Israeli Swing Championship. In addition to the Beginner Boot Camp, there are, of course, also classes for those who have already been dancing for a while in two levels – intermediate and advanced.
The veteran dancers need no explanation about instructors Juan Villafañe & Sharon Davis, as they are Lindy super stars. They are known for their dedication to the history of vernacular jazz dances and the music they evolved to. Their classes focus on developing dynamic connection, natural movement, flow and body awareness as a pathway to individual style, improvisation and musicality. Together they hold first place titles in numerous prestigious competitions.
Another international pair of instructors who will be teaching are Joseph Sewell & Charlotte Middlemiss. They are known for their exciting and inspirational classes, are currently one of the UK’s leading swing teachers and performers of authentic dances such as the Lindy Hop, Blues, 1920’s Charleston, Aerial Lindy and Authentic Jazz, touring at least 40 weeks a year all over the UK and Europe, offering finesse styling for leaders and followers.
Last but not least are Tel Aviv’s own David Ornstein & Rena Khayat. Both ex Americans, David and Rena are Israel’s leading Lindy Hop teachers and they head the Swing department at “Dance Tel Aviv” – Israel’s largest school for social dancing.
I’m already getting excited just thinking about this special weekend. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for the Tel Aviv Summer Swing Fest and get your dancing shoes ready!
httpv://youtu.be/fo7jDNnp9JA
Tel Aviv Summer Swing Fest
June 22-24, 2012
Prices:
Beginner Bootcamp Pass – €85 / 425 NIS
Full Weekend Pass – €160 / 800 NIS
Festival Party Pass – €28 / 140 NIS
