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A Klez Act
Story and Dance for a New Jewish Tradition
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This page should print out on standard 8 1/2" by 11"
paper. Please use recycled paper if it is available.
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Music and dance for everyone
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Jacob Bloom of A Klez Act leads Klezmer dancing, New England
dancing, Contra dancing and Square dancing. He also tells stories and
writes songs. Jacob will come to your school, synagogue, church, library,
wedding, community group, party, or anywhere you need great music, stories,
or dance. Contact Jacob Bloom and A Klez Act at
jacob@aklezact.com.
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What is Klezmer dancing?
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Klezmer music is a musical tradition which dates back several centuries in
Eastern and Central Europe. Jewish immigrants brought it to this country,
where it was influenced by jazz, and influenced the styles of jazz
musicians such as Benny Goodman. After nearly disappearing, Klezmer music
was rediscovered by a new generation of musicians in the 1970's and is now
being enjoyed by people of many ages, religions, and ethnic groups.
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Dance was a vibrant and important part of this tradition. Many Klezmer
tunes were written specifically for group dances such as the Freylach and
Bulgar, couple dances such as the Korobushka, and a square dance called the
Sher. Jacob is very excited by the opportunity to bring this world of
music and dance to the 21st century American public.
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What is Contra dancing?
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New England Country Dancing, also known as contra and square dancing, has
been danced in New England town halls and grange halls without a break
since the seventeenth century. Since the 1960's it has enjoyed a revival,
and is now done around the world.
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Who is Jacob Bloom?
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Jacob started contra dancing in 1974, and has been calling since 1977. He
has combined his knowledge of Klezmer dance, which he learned as a
teenager and at Klezmer music conventions, with skills developed as a
leader of traditional New England dance. He has called evenings of contra
dancing set to Klezmer music, as well as evenings of Klezmer and Israeli
dance.
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| Dance for beginners |
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Jacob's two decades of dancing, choreography and dance calling let
him choose dances that work for all participants. He has created and
modified dances in both the New England and Klezmer traditions towards that
purpose, and is particularly adept at helping groups of beginners enjoy
themselves while dancing.
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| Writing and performing dances |
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Jacob has also been a Morris and sword dancer for over two decades, and has
taught these English Ritual dance forms to adults and children. Jacob has
toured in Europe with the English ritual dance team The Black Jokers, and
the New England dance performance group The Green Mountain Volunteers.
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Dances Jacob has composed have been included in the books Zesty Contras,
published by the New England Folk Festival Association, and Gems, published
by the Country Dance and Song Society of America.
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Dances and Stories available from Jacob Bloom
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Klezmer Dance and Music
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An evening of dancing from the Klezmer
tradition, for all. Jewish dances from Eastern Europe,
with newer dances from America and Israel thrown in.
Klezmer draws from a tradition of music and dance
which dates back several centuries in Eastern and Central Europe.
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Contra Dancing & Square dancing
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Known as New England country dancing, contra dancing,
square dancing or barn dances, it has been danced in New England
town halls and grange halls without a break since the
seventeenth century. Since the 1960's it has enjoyed
a revival, and is now done around the world.
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Family Story Telling |
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An evening of stories from Jacob's
family and others, used as a framework to encourage
audience members to tell stories of their own families
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Old Country Stories
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Jacob offers music from the old country and
tells stories of the role music and dance played
in daily life in the old country.
After his words, he leads dancing that brings
that world to life!
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What people say about Jacob Bloom's dances
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"Thank you so much for sharing our wedding day with us. We had a great time
with the square dancing and have received many comments about how much fun
it was."
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"Your warmth, skill and humor helped make our Sukkot square dance a very
special evening. The folks at Beth El can't wait for a return engagement!"
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"We want to thank you for a wonderful evening! Everyone of the 56 people
who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Your skill at intermixing
different types of dances which answered the needs of your audience,
combined with your ability to build a relationship with the audience made
the evening a huge success."
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"I was impressed with your good humor and willingness to adapt to all comers
throughout the morning. ... I was surprised at how much you were able to
actually teach in a very short period."
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"The dances were challenging, great exercise, and loads of fun!"
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"As usual - a wonderful evening!"
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| Check off what you need and let A Klez
Act jazz up your event! |
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This form will be sent by e-mail.
We respond by e-mail or telephone, as you prefer.
Please remember that information sent by
e-mail may not be absolutely secure.
We try to respond to all requests within two weeks.
If you have not received a response in that time,
please contact us again. It is possible your message was
lost in transit.
A Klez Act does not sell or share its mailing list
or client list with any group or organization.
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Contact Jacob Bloom & A Klez Act
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We provide dance calling, storytelling and music
for your group or event.
We take commissions for dances, music and songs for
weddings and other special occasions.
E-mail Jacob Bloom and A Klez Act at
jacob@aklezact.com.
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Copyright information |
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A Klez Act web site:
Text by Jacob Bloom.
Web site design, editing and code by Rachael Stark.
Photography and image editing by Chris Cirker.
A Klez Act web site copyright 1999 Rachael Stark.
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