Yiddish dance workshop

The Soul of the Rhythm and Gestures: Traditional Yiddish Dance

 

In the Klezmer tradition, the violin and the dance are inseparable. For a professional Klezmer violinist, deep knowledge of traditional dance is not an elective—it is a core requirement of the craft. Mark Kovnatskiy brings this profound understanding to his workshops, bridging the gap between the music and the movement that defines it.

​

From the Source: A Master’s Pedagogy

Mark’s expertise is rooted in direct transmission from the legends of the Yiddish dance revival. Having studied under the foremost authorities - including the pioneering scholar Dr. Walter Zev Feldman, as well as Michael Alpert, Steve Weintraub, and Hélène Domergue - Mark carries forward a rich, authentic vocabulary of Ashkenazic movement.

​

The Workshop Experience

Participants are invited to explore the diverse landscape of Yiddish dance: the communal energy of the Freylekhs and Bulgar, the intricate patterns of the Sher, the rhythmic grace of the Hora, and the playful interaction of the Patch-tants.

​

More than just learning steps, these workshops offer a rare insight into the ritual life of the Jewish community, particularly the complex traditions of the wedding ceremony. Whether for absolute beginners or experienced dancers, Mark’s workshops provide a vibrant, culturally rich experience that connects the past with the living present.

​

To organize a workshop in your city or institution, please get in touch.