150 dancers were running through the aisles in traditional costumes, with brightly colored scarves streaming out behind them. The audience at the Middleton Performing Arts Center (MPAC) was mesmerized. Yonim Israeli Folk Dancers, Kalaanjali School of Indian Dance, Trinity Irish Dancers, Ruchot Chicago (from Chicago), Cashel Dennehy Irish Dancers, Wisconsin Tibetan Association Dancers, Paik’s Traditional Martial Arts Students, Tai Chi Animal Frolics Dancers, and dancers from as far away as Indiana were among the performers who opened Madison’s 11th Annual Sharsheret Youth Folk Dance Festival.

Youth dancers including students from kindergarten through 12th grade, performed before an enthusiastic crowd at the beautiful Performing Arts Center in Middleton. The diverse program paid tribute to a variety of cultures and dance styles. The music included everything from the most contemporary tunes to medleys to traditional Israeli music to Irish dancing music, Indian traditional music and even live music accompanied by a Tibetan Danyen (traditional Tibetan guitar).

But, it was the Yonim parents who “brought the house down.” Horeem  (Hebrew meaning parents), the last group to dance, consisted of about 25 brave Yonim parents, many of whom were not totally comfortable with the prospect of dancing. Several parents, who  danced publicly for the first time, were willingly coerced by their children to participate. Aside from turning the tables and getting to watch their parents perform as they usually do, the kids knew that if their parent(s) participated, that they (the kids) would also get to dance on stage with their parents. It was a beautiful, moving sight to see children running up on stage to join their parents in dancing the final number where the sharing of culture and family truly came full circle - before our very eyes.

The last dance was Light A Candle, a wonderful, very moving song dedicated to Anna Syvertsen and her family. The Syvertsens have been a Yonim family and members of Horeem for many years. This year, Horeem dancers performed without Anna and Marc as Anna was in a terrible accident in March in California. Anna is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Colorado. This song was performed with them in mind, sending them hope, courage, strength, and our prayers. We all look forward to their return to Madison.

The two-hour program included new and old choreographies by internationally known dancer, teacher and choreographer Silvio Berlfein. It was spectacular to see so many dancers (from Sharsheret Camp, May 18 - 20, 2007) of all ages and backgrounds, performing Silvio’s choreographies for such an appreciative audience! It was especially moving as this was Silvio’s first year as Sharsheret’s featured choreographer and he was in Madison to enjoy the show!

Once again, Sharsheret Youth Folk Dance Festival presented a spectacularly vibrant social and cultural experience, for hundreds of youth, their families and the greater Madison community. The memories will last a lifetime. The thrill of anticipating next year’s Camp & Festival already has dancers and their families asking “when is Sharsheret next year?” Mark your calendars for Sharsheret 2008, again, the Sunday before Memorial Day - May 18, 2008!

For more information about Yonim or Sharsheret, visit www.yonim.org, or contact Lauren at lvogel@aol.com or (608)836-9886.