by Dan Crystal

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

No dance is more entertaining in the Jewish Culture then the Horah. Generally, it is danced at Bar/Bat/Bnai Mitzvahs, weddings or Jewish celebrations. This is a popular Israeli folk dance, which many Jewish dancers may train to perfect out of sheer enjoyment. While at a Jewish celebration (either it be a Wedding or a Bar/Bat Mitzvahs) there are several steps you must take before you just jump into the Horah.

Since the Jewish religion has three branches of Judaism (Reform, Conservative and Orthodox), you must first analyze what kind the host is (if they are truly secular or not). Observe if you see men AND women dancing together, or you may notice they are dancing separately. Be prepared to only dance with the same sex, but most present day Horas are performed integrated.

After you see everyone start to make a circle (whether it is co-ed or not) join hands with the people around you and get ready to dance. Depending on the style of the celebration you may or not be allowed to take off your shoes, which may be a little bit too casual. However, generally young girls and women alike usually take off their uncomfortable heels and dance with enthusiasm. Any other accessories you may have on, you should inquire about removing them. Besides for your own safety, you don't want to make anything on you a health hazard to anyone else. This includes excessive jewelry (i.e. if you wearing several necklaces that could flap around as you dance and hit someone in the head, possible an earring could fall off and go through someones foot, or just make it uncomfortable for you).

The band or DJ normally will play the Hava Nagila as you dance around the host . While holding hands you will sway around them and continually change directions. Occasionally, the entire circle will stop moving around and will all come into the middle. The entire circle closes in on the Bar/Bat Mitzvat and squishes them in the middle. A tradition is to say "Ooh" as everyone comes in together to make one.

After the entire circle closes in on them, it will back up and the DJ or MC will bring a chair to the middle as everyone stops holding hands and starts clapping. Some dancers may know the words, but generally most guests will just clap at this point. The physically inclined at this point should step forward and will all help lift the family of the host into the air. At a Bat/Bar Mitzvah, the mother, father, siblings and the Mitzvat will all be lifted into the air on a chair. The holders will spin them around on the chair as the can see all of their guests. Everyone should be cheering, clapping, smiling and laughing at this time as it truly is an enjoyable time.

Afterward, people will do various activities to entertain the host such as give speeches, dance a song of their own or sing a song for their merriment. Savor the experience as it is truly memorable!

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