| NOTE: This WAS the team of Dance Washington 1998. |
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I am pleased that the following teachers and choreographers joined Dance Washington,
the Israeli Folk Dance Camp for 1998: Avi Peretz, Roni Siman-Tov, Yoni Carr, Nissim Ben-Ami, Don Schillinger. Avi PeretzAvi Peretz is one of the top talented and popular choreographers in Israel today. He is well respected and liked by his peers and his dancers. As prolific choreographer, Avi produced 50-70 dances since 1984! Among the popular ones are: 
Kshe Navo (When We Will Come) Zman Laila (Night Time) Re-ach Vatzeva (Smell and Color) Ha’Chaim HaAcherim (The Other life) Shir Shel Yom Cholin (Song for Ordinary Day). Avi is teaching Israeli folk dances 3 night per week in northern Tel Aviv and Ra’anana, and has attended dance camps in Europe, Canada and US. Avi was elected and served as a member of the Board on the Israeli Association of Teachers for Israeli Folk Dance. The Association organizes dance workshops and produces the notable Festival Karmiel. Avi is married to Batya (whom he met on the dance floor) and has three children. He earned his BA and MBA degrees in Industrial Management from Ben Gurion University, Israel. Recently, Avi graduated with J.D. degree from the Tel Aviv University School of Law. For those who do not know Avi, he is also an excellent teacher and has a pleasant personality that is fun to be with. Join us for the opportunity to be inspired by Avi and his love and joy of Israeli folk dancing. Roni Siman-TovRoni’s rich and prolific career in folk dance started in his teens when he was performing in the famous Israeli folk dance group of Karmon. By the age of 18, he choreographed his first dance and has not stop since. Among his popular dances are: 
Ahava Pshuta (Simple Love) Al Ha'ir Afot Yonim (Pigeons fly over the city) Serenada Le'ada (Ada’s Serenade) Na'ari Shuva E'lay (My boy come back to me) Shir Megaresh Et Hachoshech (Song chases the Darkness) Kol Ma Shekadam (All that Precedes) With his inspirational insight Roni was the first choreographer to introduce “foreign” beat (such as Tango and Rock-N-Roll) into Israeli folk dance. This uniqueness together with high energy levels are reflected throughout many of his dances (kayeets al ha'eer, masa ben kochavim.) Roni was the teacher and leader of many local and municipal Israeli folk dance groups. These groups performed throughout Israel including at Festival Carmiel and some, at various international folk dance festivals. Roni owns and operates a Show-Biz company through which he directs big shows, produces major events and offers equipment rental. Still, Roni has “soft spot” for teaching Israeli folk dance. He teaches and leads 3 weekly sessions in central Israel, and has attended numerous dance camps in the United States. Come and enjoy dancing of new and old dances with Roni. Experience the high energy in his dances. Those who danced with Roni tell me that when his dances are being played the energy in the room rises by several notches. In celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Israel’s Independence, Roni will lead a session of some old but magnificent Israeli folk dances. This is going to be a nostalgic experience that should not be missed! Yoni Carr
Yoni Carr, a native Israeli, is one of the most renown instructor of Israeli folk dance on the West Coast. For the past 4 years, she has been directing Camp Yona, an Israeli folk dance camp. Yoni is gifted and truly exceptional dance teacher. She, currently resides in San Diego, leads and teaches two weekly Israeli folk dance sessions, and also teaches ballroom dancing all over Southern California. For many years she was a ballroom dance Counselor at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in San Diego, Ca. In recognition of her knowledge, Yoni was certified by the Dance Educators of America in New York, where she taught Israeli and ballroom dancing for over 10 years. She managed with her resourcefulness to choreograph a handful of Israeli dances such as Tni Li yad (Give Me a hand), Kineret, and more.
One of the delightful aspect of working with Yoni is to watch her dance, a delightful professional performer. She danced as a soloist for over 14 years in prestigious dance groups such as Inbal and Karmon, and while doing so she performed around the world including on Broadway in New York. She also played in the productions of Hello Dolly and the King & I. Yoni will bring to Dance Washington knowledge, professionalism and expert teaching ability. She will be teaching and leading one session of ballroom dancing. It was said that even the clumsiest dancer and those who think they possess two “wooden stick” feet can dance well with Yoni. Bring your kids and take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn directly for Yoni. This promises to be unforgettable experience. Do not miss it. Nissim Ben-Ami
Like many Israelis, Nissim fell in love with Israeli folk dancing so much he made it his career, ‘living and breathing’ it for over two decades in Israel. He has successfully led, taught and run large dance marathons. He also attended teachers’ workshops and directed performing groups.
For the past 5 years Nissim has been the leader of one of the largest dance sessions in the Miami area. He has also taught in numerous dance camps across South America, Canada and the US. Nissim is good! He is dedicated! He is funny! He is personable! He is talented! And most of all, he is down to earth kind of a guy. Nissim is married to Debbie (his ex-dance partner) and has 3 children. His older son, Maor, a competent dancer himself, has been working with Nissim. Nissim will treat us to some of his favorite "oldies," nostalgic dances (we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Israeli Independence), and also to the latest dance hits. He is that versatile. Guys and gals, bring your dance shoes so you can keep up with Nissim. Beware! Nissim may infect everyone with FUN FEVER! Don Schillinger
Don is an established and popular dance leader in the Philadelphia area. He has been teaching and leading Israeli folk dance for several years at Cafe Israel (Klein Branch JCC). Don recently started a new dance session in Cherry Hill, NJ where he is teaching and leading beginner/intermediate dancers. Don leads a weekly summer outdoor session at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This program is partially funded by a cultural grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia cultural grant. Don has participated in many dance workshops as a guest instructor around the country.
Don is energetic and his energy in dancing is contagious. He has devoted an unusual amount of time and energy working with children of all ages and with beginner dancers. If you have children, or if you or your spouse are a beginner dancer (that is a person with little or no prior dancing experience), come and treat yourself to the superb and delightful teaching offered by Don. Don is preparing a special program for children ages 10-18 years of age. The beginners workshop will be conducted with patient step-by-step instructions and with an adequate number of repetitions and reviews. Don is a Business Analyst by profession. He is married to Karen, his dance partner, and lives in Center City, Philadelphia. |