Shorashim 2025
34th Annual
Roots of Israeli Folk Dancing
Nostalgia Labor Day Weekend
Presented in-person & virtually via zoom
Saturday Aug 30st - Monday Sept 1st, 2025
Founded and Directed by Haim Kaufman
Embedded Files
Dedicated to Our Beloved Danny Uziel z"l and Remembering Seadia (Sedi) Amishai z"l
Dedicated to Our Beloved Danny Uziel z"l and Remembering Seadia (Sedi) Amishai z"l
Danny Uziel z"l
Danny Uziel z"l
A Personal Perspective
A Personal Perspective
Haim Kaufman - Rikuday Dor Rishon/Shorashim
Danny Uziel z"l was truly a creative giant in the Israeli folk dance world and he will sorely be missed. I knew Danny since the 1960's and he was a significant inspiration in my organizing the Rikuday Dor Rishon weekly session in 1987 to preserve and perpetuate the classic Israeli folk dances. Danny not only encouraged me, but also supported us enthusiastically over the years with workshops, annual Shorashim weekends and choreographing our performing group. His first workshop for us, in the late 1980s, was most memorable, since he dedicated it to teaching the dances of Yonatan Karmon - of which he was the world's expert. My most intimate experiences with Danny were when he choreographed our special dance group, starting in 1991, for a performance of the Hasidic style Sher and Sherele at the Joe Papp Remembrance I organized at Columbia University's Earl Hall. Danny was in true form that night, leading over 300 people in a Rondo to Hasidic Melodies. Sher and Sherele were very nostalgic for Danny, since he performed them on stage as a young dancer in Israel. Recreating these dances was truly a labor of love. Danny led our performing group through the 90s for appearances at several venues, including the 92nd St Y. Danny gently whipped us into shape so that we really looked authentic - like we came dancing out of the Shtetl. Working so closely with Danny, I will always remember his unique talents and patience in teaching a group of non professionals how to perform a dance on stage. There are many other memories of Danny that remain, especially those connected with his participation at Shorashim and the wisdom he shared with me to help improve our sessions. Danny's many contributions to our group over the years are just a small part of his vast and precious legacy.
Click here for a full bio.
Click here to see photos of Danny at Shorashim 2007 and 2008.
Seadia (Sedi) Amishai z"l
Seadia (Sedi) Amishai z"l
Seadia Amishai z"l, born in Yemen and raised in Israel, became a leading dancer and choreographer known for blending Yemenite traditions with modern styles. He began at 13 under Rivka Sturman, later teaching folk dances in his kibbutz and founding a troupe in Kiryat Shmona that gained international recognition. Studying ballet and choreography at Tel Hai College deepened his artistry, and from 1959 he created works rooted in Yemenite rhythms and movement. Seadia established several troupes, including Israeli and Yemenite groups in Hadera, and influenced dance across northern Israel and abroad. He is remembered as a cultural ambassador who preserved tradition while advancing Israeli folk dance.
Click here for a full bio.
Click here to see photos of Seadia at Shorashim 2002 and 2007.
Featuring Master Teachers
Featuring Master Teachers
Ruth Goodman
Ruth Goodman
Ruth Goodman is director of the Israeli Dance Institute, the annual Israel Folk Dance Festival and the Jewish/Israeli dance division of 92Y in New York. She is founder and director of the Parparim Ensemble of Israeli Dance and has directed a variety of dance programs and conducted dance workshops for teachers. As in past years, Ruth brings her many talents to Shorashim.
Danny Pollock
Danny Pollock
Danny Pollock is a well-known master teacher of Israeli folk dance in the New York region. Danny returns once again to teach his popular classic repertoire dance workshops at Shorashim, which have become an established tradition that we look forward to with great anticipation. “Dancing Danny” brings a lot of fun and joy to workshops as well as nightly parties.
Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Saturday August 30th
Saturday August 30th
Opening Dance Party - 8:30 PM
Opening Dance Party - 8:30 PM
Enjoy the classics and favorites from Rikuday Dor Rishon and Shorashim!
Sunday August 31st
Sunday August 31st
Afternoon Workshop - 2:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Workshop - 2:00-5:00 PM
Honoring the impact of our beloved Danny Uziel z'l on the world of Israeli folk dance and his contributions to our Shorashim and Rikuday Dor Rishon movement. We will also honor past guest choreographer, Seadia Amishai z"l through a retrospective of his dances.
Dance Party - 8:00 PM
Dance Party - 8:00 PM
Enjoy more classics and favorites from Rikuday Dor Rishon and Shorashim!
Monday September 1st
Monday September 1st
Afternoon Concluding Workshop and Dance Event for Hybrid Shorashim - 2:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Concluding Workshop and Dance Event for Hybrid Shorashim - 2:00-5:00 PM
Concluding program featuring a continued retrospective and review of the dances and legacy of Danny and Seadia including special multimedia presentations.
Please note that all times are Eastern Time - US/Canada
Registration
Registration
In order to make Hybrid Shorashim 2025 possible, please note the following fee schedule.
IN-PERSON (Pre-registered)
IN-PERSON (Pre-registered)
Workshops: $25 each
Evening Parties: $25 each
Full Weekend (all events): $90
Please note that Full Weekend In-Person registrants will also receive Zoom links to all events.
VIRTUAL (via Zoom):
VIRTUAL (via Zoom):
Workshops: $20 each
Evening Parties: $20 each
Full Weekend (all events): $70
IN-PERSON (At the Door)
IN-PERSON (At the Door)
Workshops: $30 each
Evening Parties: $30 each
Full Weekend (all events): $100
Step 1
Step 1
Click below to send payment via the Israeli Dance Institute.
Step 2
Step 2
Click below or send an email to the Israel Dance Institute at IDI@israelidanceinstitute.org, providing:
Name
Email
Phone/Cell
Please indicate which weekend events you are planning to attend
In Person or Virtual
Registration confirmation for "in-person" participants and Zoom links with passcodes for "virtual" participants will be emailed to those who register with their payment.
Any additional contribution to the Israeli Dance Institute is most appreciated.
Any additional contribution to the Israeli Dance Institute is most appreciated.
Donations can be made directly through the "Donate to Israeli Dance Institute Inc" online link: PAYPAL - CREDIT CARD LINK
(Note: Israeli Dance Institute Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all additional contributions are tax-deductible.)
Please indicate that your donation is for Shorashim 2025.
For those who prefer to send a check, please have it payable to:
ISRAELI DANCE INSTITUTE and mail it to: Israeli Dance Institute, P.O. Box 124, New York, NY 10025.
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