About the Teachers

As of May 17, 1999, Yoram will not be part of Dance Washington 1999!!

Rafi Ziv

Rafi is young choreographer from Israel. He leads 5 nightly sessions in southern Israel in Beer-Sheva, Ashkelon and Omer. Being a single, he was able to respond to our request on such a short notice. Rafi choreographed:

Menagev Et Hadma'ot (Wipe the tears)
Simchat Ha'nigun (The joy of the tune)
Roni (name)

Rafi is very energetic and will add a youngish atmosphere to our dance camp. Rafi particiapted in many dance camps in Europe and in Canada (Dance Montreal). This will be his first camp in the US.

Don Schillinger

Don will be in his second year with us. Don is an established and popular dance leader in the Philadelphia area. He is currently running two weekly sessions (Gershman Y on Wednesdays, and the Katz JCC on Mondays). Don also leads a weekly summer outdoor session (at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursdays). Don has participated in many dance workshops as a guest instructor around the country. He founded RAK-DAN Israeli Dancing with a mission to reach the non-dance community and to introduce them to Israeli Dancing through special events, weddings, Bar/Bat Mitvahs, synagogue educational programs, etc.


Don is energetic and his energy in dancing is contagious. Don is skilled in teaching dancers of all levels from beginner to advanced, and of all ages (children and adults). br>
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 a Budget Analyst at the University of Pennsylvania. He is married to Karen, his dance partner, and lives in Center City, Philadelphia. Don and Karen are expecting their first child in early March, 1999.

To contact Don or to find out about Israeli Dancing in the Philadelphia area, please send e-mail to schill@mail.med.upenn.edu or call 215-893-0727.

Moshe Shem-Tov

Moshe, a native Israeli, is the leader of the largest dance session in the Washington DC area. He is very popular and Thursday Night Dancing became a tradition of dancing and social gathering for people of wide range of dance levels and ages.

Moshe has over 12 year experience in teaching and leading Israeli folk dance groups. He has successfully led and run large dance marathons and participated and taught in dance camps in the US.

It is hard to describe in words Moshe's talent on the dance floor; you must experience it! He is charismatic with the ability to charm and energize all the people around him. Come and see for yourself how good, delightful and pleasant would be to dance with Moshe. Moshe will teach some of the latest dance hits and will also lead and direct the beginner dancers.

During the day, Moshe busy running his successful Heating and Air Conditioning Business.

Nissim Ben-Ami

Nissim is back from last year! 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!

Fran Amkraut

Fran Amkraut is young, vibrant and excellent dancer. She teaches and leads dancing for people of all ages, from toddlers to senior citizens. Having begun dancing at young age, she is familiar with both "old" and "new" dances. In the past few years, Fran has had experience running dance programs for children at summer camps and Hebrew schools.

Fran performed and managed the PARPARIM Ensemble (which is directed by Ruth Goodman from New York). She also coordinated the Israeli Folk Dance Festival and Festival of the Arts produced annually by the Israeli Dance Institute. Fran has assisted in leading and instructing the Monday Night dance session at Columbia University where she is a senior. She is the choreographer for Shalhevet, the dance troupe of Columbia University, Bernard College and JTS (Jewish Theological Seminary). In addition, Fran has introduced the most recent line dances at the popular New York 92nd Street Y session on Wednesday nights.

Fran is preparing a special program for children and beginner dancers. Together with Don Schillinger and Moshe Shem-Tov she is putting together a powerful and exciting program for all those who dare to try!! Bring your youngsters for a special treat!

Shalom Nevet

Shalom Nevet is an Israeli avid dancer from Rockville, MD. His help last year during Dance Washington 1998 was very valuable. Shalom's organizational skills and his knowledge of computers is going to make this camp - All Electronic!