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Religion
Worship Dances

The Klezmer

This is another traditional dance with unknown choreographer. There are numerous variations and similar dances named "the Klezmer". This is a simple and typical one.

Part A is done holding hands (except for the turn). Part B is done not holding hands.

Each numbered step takes four beats of music.

Part A

1. (facing RLOD) Step to the R (RLOD) with the R heel, then bring L foot to meet it (repeat)
2. (facing inward) Step to the R with the R foot, bring L foot to meet it (repeat)
3. (facing LLOD) Step to the L (LLOD) with the L heel, bring R foot to meet it (repeat)
4. (facing inward) Step to the L with the L foot, bring R foot to meet it (repeat)
5. (facing inward) Step R-L-R into the center, then hop on R foot
6. (facing inward) Step L-R-L away from the center, then hop on L foot
7. (facing inward) Mayim L (starting with R foot crossing in front of left foot)
8. Four-count turn over right shoulder (spin 360 degrees, clockwise as seen from above, R-L-R-L), ending with a clap

Note that the final steps of #2 and #4 are quick taps without a weight change.

Part B

9. (facing RLOD) Step away from the circle with the R foot, bring L foot to meet it, step away from the circle with the R foot, hop on R foot
10. (facing RLOD) Step into the circle with the L foot, bring R foot to meet it, step into the circle with the L foot, bring R foot to meet it
11. (facing RLOD) Step into the circle with the L foot, bring R foot to meet it, step into the circle with the L foot, hop on L foot
12. (facing RLOD) Step away from the circle with the R foot, bring L foot to meet it, step away from the circle with the R foot, bring L foot to meet it
13. (facing RLOD) Step away from the circle with the R foot, hop on R foot, step into the circle with the L foot, bring R foot to meet it
14. (facing RLOD) Step into the circle with the L foot, hop on L foot, step away from the circle with the R foot, bring L foot to meet it
15. (facing RLOD) Tcherkessia
16. (facing RLOD) Four running steps R-L-R-L, clapping with the first three steps. On the fourth step either take hands in preparation to return to Part A or finish the dance by pivoting to face inward and shouting

In Part B the hands sway naturally with the side-steps: away from body for two counts and then closer to body for two counts. Clap on the hops.