| What is the legacy of the genre/form/style you are teaching?
Rachel will share an inside look into the creative process of ZACHOR’s newest work inspired by Mieczyslaw Weinberg. Weinberg is a rarely noted composer and Holocaust survivor who created brilliant classical compositions with clear Jewish (Yiddish) themes, as a way to keep alive the memory of his family and culture that had perished. This workshop will combine contemporary dance with influences of Yiddish folk dance – the folk dances of Eastern European Jews, typically danced with Klezmer music. |
| What background, training, and or relationship do you have with this style/technique/class subject?
For the past 3 years, Rachel Linsky has been developing ZACHOR, an ongoing series which seeks to preserve the words of WWII Holocaust Survivors through contemporary dance. ZACHOR creates opportunities for diverse groups of artists and audiences to study, embody and reflect on these testimonies in a non-religious setting. For this new research project under ZACHOR, Rachel has taken a deep dive into Yiddish dance, studying under Avia Moore, Steve Weintraub, and Sarah Myerson. You can read Rachel’s bio, training, and professional performance history within the realm of contemporary dance here: https://www.rachellinsky.com |
| What can students expect from this class?
We will start by learning more about Weinberg’s story, then we will learn Yiddish folk dances including Freylekhs, Bulgar, Hora/Zhok, and Khosidl. Students will then learn contemporary choreography infused with elements of the Yiddish folk dances such as gesture, torque, angularity, and individual expression within the context of a group. |
| Finish this statement: I am passionate about teaching this style because…
…Exploring contemporary dance with Yiddish themes feels like a fitting way to honor Weinberg’s story, celebrate the influences he kept alive in his work, and attempt to restore a small piece of deserved legacy to his name. This project and opportunity to invite community members into the creative process has been particularly meaningful, as it allows me to share this important history, while also sharing aspects of Jewish dance and culture with the larger community. |
| How can students learn more about this offering?
Mini-vlog about the fellowship research Website: Rachellinsky.com/Zachor Instagram: @rachlinsk |
| Registration:
The workshop is free, but space is limited so please RSVP to secure your spot: |
| Cost of Class
FREE |
| Contact Information
Contact Rachel: [email protected] |
Studio 1
Rachel Linsky
Street shoes are not allowed in the studio at any time.
