THE BEGINNING
Sheffi's School of Multicultural Dance was founded over 30 years ago when Sheffi Shapira introduced Israeli Folk Dancing to Melbourne in 1975.
After a slow beginning, interest and popularity grew, and the school began to flourish. Day and evening classes were established in the Caulfield, Kew and Doncaster areas, catering for children and adults of all ages, levels and backgrounds.
Sheffi travelled to Israel every year, bringing back new and classic repertoire which he introduced into the classes. Workshops, Annual dance camps with guest choreographers, Chagim celebrations and Special performances contributed to the success and popularity of the school.
It was renowned for being Melbourne's 1st and Foremost Israeli Dance School.
THE NEXT STAGE
Helen Sokolski commenced dancing at Sheffi's School in 1986 and was "hooked" from the very beginning. Being a primary school teacher, she was drawn to the idea of teaching Israeli Dancing to children and commenced teaching at various Jewish Day Schools as well as her own private children's classes.
When she was offered a teaching position at Sheffi's School, she approached the task with great enthusiasm, energy and excitement. It was the beginning of a successful business and dancing career.
In 1990 Helen and Sheffi formed a partnership and for the next few years learnt about the responsibilities, hard work and pressures involved in running an Israeli Folk Dance School.
Sheffi retired from the school and dancing in 1995, and HORA ISRAELI DANCE SCHOOL was born!
HELEN SOKOLSKI
HELEN SOKOLSKI has now been involved as a Markida (leader) of Israeli dancing In Melbourne for more than 20 years, graduating from the AADE (Ausralian Association of Dance Education) Teachers Course,
With Helen's foresight and under her leadership, HORA has evolved and developed to become the most professional and popular Israeli Dance group in Melbourne today. Helen has been instrumental in the establishment and success of Israeli dancing generally in Melbourne, teaching children and adults of all ages and levels, and creating choreographies for schools, festivals and communal events. Helen travels regularly overseas and to Israel in order to keep her finger on the pulse of the worldwide Israeli dance scene.
With her extensive experience and knowledge, dynamic personality, wonderful teaching and dance style, she is an inspirational leader of Israeli Folk Dancing, and has made HORA the vibrant, energetic, continually evolving activity that we all love so much.
HORA - overseas guests
HORA prides itself on its professional approach to Israeli Dancing, and careful planning of stimulating Dance Programs, fun and exciting Themed Dance Parties, celebrations of the Chagim, and Special Events. Special Workshops and Annual Weekend Camps with overseas guest Choreographers and/or Markidim, enrich and extend the dancers' knowledge, style and repertoire. Our impressive list of overseas guests include MOSHIKO HALEVY, MOSHE TELEM, MEIR SHEM TOV, ISRAEL YAKOVEE, YANKELE LEVY, DAVID EDERY, EDY GREENBLATT, DANNY UZIEL, SHMULIK GOV-ARI, NAFTALY KADOSH, SHLOMO MAMAN, DUDU BARZILAY, GADI BITTON, YARON BEN SIMCHON, KOBI MICHAELI, YARON CARMEL & next yesr RAFI ZIV. . To further enhance our dance experience, International Folk Dancing guests have been invited to demonstrate and teach the styles, rhythms and culture of folk dances from other countries such as Bulgaria, Japan, Africa and Greece.
HORA - performances & tuition
In the past, HORA has been involved in many community events and performed at Multicultural Dance Festivals, Royal Melbourne Show, B'nai Brith Variety Nights, Concert in the Park, Yom Ha'atzma'ut Celebrations, Emmy Monash and Montefiore Homes and various local council street fairs.
We have provided tuition and many workshops at leading Melbourne Jewish and secular day schools, Mt Eliza Israel Folk Dance Group (Nishmat), International Folk Dance Camps, Canberra IFD, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs and even private weddings.
On countless occasions, we have choreographed the Mt Scopus Ball, Yavneh and Mt Scopus Bat Mitzvah pageants, as well as various school events, assemblies, celebrations and graduations.
Our involvement in teaching children has always been a very special and important aspect of HORA's dance program.
HORA - reputation
Over the past few years, our reputation has soared for providing the highest level of teaching, introducing the most exciting and popular dance material (both classic and modern) and creating a unique dance atmosphere based on choice of repertoire, and a fun and social environment.
With a finger on the pulse of Israeli Daance trends overseas and in Australia, HORA continually assesses, and where appropriate, changes programs and classes to meet the needs and demands of the dancers, thus maintaining enthusiasm and interest.
The popularity of HORA is evident in all its classes. The success of these classes is due to the dedication, commitment and devotion of the HORA STAFF. Many dancers don't realise how much time, effort and planning goes in to the preparation of a class and how much energy, patience and hard work is needed to teach and run the dance program. The HORA staff (affectionately known as "The Hora Family") , has always demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and maintained an enthusiastic and caring approach in the classes.
HORA - partners
HORA boasts the largest, most popular and exciting Partner Class in Melbourne (and in Australia). The extensive repertoire includes both classic and modern dances varying in style and complexity, with emphasis on dancing and having fun. The popularity of this couples' class (which started in 1989) has been achieved with many years of commitment and perseverance. Quoting the July 1989 newsletter "Partner Dances have always been an intrinsic and vibrant part of contemporary Israeli Dance. The multicultural influence is evident in the diversity of steps - the Italian samba, tango, the waltz etc. The school is now focussing on this much neglected area."
Due to the popularity of our Israeli partner dances with a Latin flavour, we hired professional Latin teachers to teach us the intricacies of the different Latin rhythms which some have adapted to their own dance style.
HORA - dancers
The positive attitude, attendance support and participation of all the dancers who come to our classes, parties, camps etc. make HORA what it is today, a Wonderful Dance Experience! We look forward to the future with excitement, confidence and optimism!