DANCES OF MODERN ISRAEL

[Updated August 23, 2026]

TEACHING - August 24 and 31

Ahuvati Bat 50 אהובתי בת 50 (My beloved is 50 years old) is a circle dance from 1998 by Shmulik Gov-Ari. The singer is Avihu Medina. Ilana Klein wrote the song for Israel's 50th birthday. Lyrics in English are here. Lyrics in Hebrew are here. This dance is a favorite of mine and I'd like to have it back in our local repertoire.

Boi Yaffa בואי יפה (Come, beautiful one) is a new couple dance by Itzik Ben Dahan. The singer is May Sfadia. The lyrics in Hebrew are here and the translation to English is here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Monday, September 7 - Labor Day - NO DANCING!

Monday, September 14 - Yes, there is dancing - ALL-REQUESTS PARTY

Monday, September 21 - YOM KIPPUR will be ending - NO DANCING!

Monday, September 28 - We're back to our usual schedule

Reminders:

• We dance in the Orchard Pavilion at the Sunnyvale Recreation Center's Senior Center
  550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 Red arrow on map below

  7:30-8:30: Beginners lesson  
  8:30-9:00: Two dance taught (one non-partner; one partner)  
  9:00-11:30: Harkada - open dancing

• $10; $8 for Sunnyvale residents. I accept payment by both Zelle and Venmo.
  
  Zelle - 408-771-4542 or loui@louitucker.com
  Venmo - @Loui-Tucker
  
  
• Any dancer coming for the FIRST TIME in 2026 will need to sign a Liability Waiver at the door.

ATTENDANCE -- Varies from 70-90; 60% women, 40% men; 60% Israelis, 40% American Jews and non-Jews. Average age about 55; age range from mid-30s to early 80's.

SNACKS -- Coffee and tea. Cookies, popcorn. Sometimes seasonal treats like halvah, sufganiyot, fejoia, figs.

Want to see what has been taught in the past? Thank you to Lee Richardson who has been keeping track since 2012!

Here's a typical playlist. I post these lists once every six weeks or so. If the list gets old, just email me and let me know.