Klezmer
(Israel)

[Full notes] [Summary notes] [Other dances & the source code]

Alternative Names 'כלייזמר' is the original spelling.
'Klezmer' is the common English transcription.
'The Klezmer' is an alternative common English name.
'Kleizmer' is a Dutch transcription.
Formation Lines arranged in circle. Various holds.
Dance Structure ((A x 2) + (B x 2)) repeated throughout music.
Music Structure 4 counts/bar, 4 bar phrases.
Music Speed 150 counts/min.
Source Sally Fletcher in Ipswich.

Disclaimer: Mistakes are quite likely in the notes and no guarantees are made as to accuracy. There may be other versions of the same dance or other dances with the same name. Music may differ, particularly in speed, introduction and duration, between performers. The division into parts, bars & counts might not be standard. These notes of the dance are freely distributable (under GPL or CC-by-sa) in so much as the note's author's contribution but the choreography and/or collection were by other people and so their copyright might apply to the dance itself. Better than using notes, go to a dance class where it is taught.

An easy & popular traditional Israeli dance that is often used with beginners but is actually not very simple compared to other beginner dances because of its two very different parts.

The name is very generic indeed as it refers to a whole genre of music. However when used to refer to a specific dance choreography, I've always found it is this one. Perhaps that is why its name is often prefixed with "The".

Style: Israeli. Party.

Part A

Summary: Facing centre. Shoulder hold. 8 side steps R with R on heel. R L R forwards & hop. L R L backwards & hop. 2 Grapevines L starting R front across. 2.666 Chircassias.

Start Facing the centre of the circle. Shoulder hold.
1
1 Step R to side on heel.
2 L across behind.
3-4 Repeat counts 1-2 (R side heel, L across behind).
2 Repeat bar 1 (R side heel, L across behind twice more).
3
1-3 Walk 3 steps forwards (R, L, R).
4 R hop lifting L.
4 Repeat bar 2 on opposite feet travelling out backwards (back L, R, L, R hop).
5 Grapevine L (R across infront, L to the side, R across behind, L to the side).
6 Repeat bar 5 (Grapevine L).
7-8 R Chircassia (R across infront, L in place, R close), L Chircassia (L across infront, R in place, L close), & two thirds of a R Chircassia (R across infront, L in place).

Part B

Summary: Facing R. Hands on shoulders infront. R L R L forwards. R touch forwards & backwards. Triple steps R & L.

Start Facing acw around the circle. Hand palm down on shoulders of person infront.
1 4 Steps forwards (R, L , R, L).
2
1-2 Touch R heel to ground infront with a spade pushing in foot motion whilst leaning back a bit.
3-4 Repeat counts 1-2 but touching R toe to ground behind & leaning forwards a bit.
3
1 R to the side.
2 L across behind
3 R to the side.
4 L close heel to ground without weight.
4 Repeat bar 3 in mirror image (L side, R across behind, L side, R close).