There is something in the DNA of Yiddish dance and the klezmer music that accompanies it that has a natural resonance for all sorts of people. From children to seniors, on your feet or in chairs, there is a way of taking part and celebrating. In no time at all, people have a radically enjoyable shared experience they will remember and talk about for a long time.

Yiddish dance is the way European and American Jews danced before the creation and dissemination of Israeli dance. It is more concerned with patterns in space and personal style than elaborate footwork. Easy to learn and enjoyable to participate, it has some elements in common with square dancing, folk dancing styles of Russia, Poland and Romania and ballroom waltz elegance.

Steve Weintraub is an American teacher, choreographer, and performer of Yiddish dance, the dance to klezmer music. As a teacher, he is in international demand at festivals and workshops, including Klezcamp, KlezKanada and festivals in Krakow, Furth, Paris and London. His over two decades of experience leading and researching Yiddish dance allow him to quickly weave dancers and music together in astonishing ways, sharing the joy of Yiddish dancing.

The Freileche Klezmer Band is a Toronto group of musicians gathered together by their love of Klezmer to share their talents and music with the world. Featuring Erich Bretholz (accordion), Stuart Kamenetsky (keyboard), Abba Lustgarten (recorder/saxophone), Joel Shore (violin) Fedor Manin (clarinet). Special guests: Ed Segalowitz (cello), Jordan Glick (percussion).