Did you perform in the Boston Festival in 1977 - 2000? Come back as we honor our
Vatikim , or esteemed veterans, in this year's opener!
Vatikim , or esteemed veterans, in this year's opener!
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Join us in a special run-on that will open the 50th Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston. The show will take place on Sunday afternoon, March 14th (arrival at 12pm for dress rehearsal and a big group photo). There will be one mandatory rehearsal on Thursday March 11th at 2pm at Kresge. After rehearsal, we’ll have a reception in Rehearsal Room A (no eating in the auditorium!) where you can nosh and catch up with old friends. We’ll screen the Festival Flashback which we created in 2021 when our annual live performances were interrupted by COVID, and reminisce about the days gone by.
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Sign up here or read on for more questions!
FAQs
Has it really been 50 years?
Yes! The Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, March 14, 2027.
Can I be part of the celebration?
We are inviting anyone who first performed in the Boston Festival in the twentieth century (1977-2000) to a special alumni reunion.
What if I first performed in 2001?
Sorry. Check back in another 50 years. I won’t be running the reunion then so someone else will be making the rules.
How will we be identified?
This tribute to the show will be called Vatikim. Vatikim means veterans in Hebrew.
How will the Vatikim participate in the festivities?
The Vatikim will do a special run-on before the show begins.
Oh no. Will I have to be at Kresge at 6 AM on the day of the show to learn the run-on?
No! The run-on rehearsal will be in Kresge on Thursday, March 11 at 2 PM.
What music are we using?
We are running on to Hora Nirkoda. It means “let’s dance the hora” which seems an appropriate message. Hora Nirkoda was the finale music used in the first Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston back in 1977.
Can I get a teaching video in advance?
No. We’re honoring our traditions by sticking to old technology in-person teaching methods. If you feel the need to prepare in advance, practice walking. Then practice clapping your hands while you walk. Pick up the pace to a slow jog. No marathons here. If you’re feeling really ambitious try walking a four-step circle over your right shoulder. Note that I said walking. No spinning.
It’s been so long since I’ve danced. Can I do this?
Trust me, you’ll be fine.
What about costumes?
If you have an old costume in the back of your closet, I’m impressed. If you can still fit in it I’m even more impressed. If not, maybe you can borrow a costume from a friend. Otherwise, how about a vintage Festival or group t-shirt? Or get yourself a new Festival t-shirt here. If all else fails, just wear something that makes you want to get up and dance.
Footwear?
Whatever works for you. Barefoot or dance slippers or orthopedic shoes. If you’re in big heavy clunkers be careful not to step on fellow dancers who are still crazy enough to dance barefoot.
Jewelry?
OK. But nothing big and clunky that could fly off and damage you or a fellow dancer.
Makeup?
As you wish. But please no perfume or heavy fragrances. Lots of folks are sensitive these days.
Cell phones?
Do you really have to ask? Make sure they’re silenced.
What will happen on Thursday March 11?
You’ll learn the special run-on which will open the 50th Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston on Sunday afternoon, March 14th. We’ll pose for a big group photo. After that we’ll have a reception in Rehearsal Room A (no eating in the auditorium!) where you can nosh and catch up with old friends. We’ll screen the Festival Flashback which we created in 2021 when our annual live performances were interrupted by COVID. The Flashback features videos of classic Festival performances from 1977-2000.
What will happen on Sunday March 14?
You don’t have to be there at 6 AM!! But you do have to show up at noon for the dress rehearsal. After your run-on you’ll sit in the audience and watch the rest of the dress rehearsal. Applaud wildly to encourage this new generation of dancers. There will be a break after dress rehearsal ends, and then you’ll do your run on to open the actual show. When the run on ends you’ll return to the audience to watch the show.
What if I’m also performing in this year’s show?
Kudos to you! Your arrival time is the same as the rest of your group's. After our run-on, instead of watching the show from the audience, you’ll go wherever your group leader tells you to go and do whatever it is your group leader tells you to do. Please inform your group leader that you're part of this tribute so they can do their paperwork accordingly.
Do I need a ticket for the show?
Yes unless you’re also performing in another piece. We’ll have a way to reserve your seat for you so no one takes it while you’re doing the run-on. There are no senior discounts.
What about parking?
Over the past 50 years, parking in the People’s Republic of Cambridge has gotten worse and worse. When we get closer to the date of the event we’ll let you know about garage possibilities. Public transportation is good. And since you last performed they’ve come up with this crazy innovation called Uber. It’s worth checking out.
I’m in! I might be in! I'm not in but want updates from Ira! How do I sign up?
Fill in this form and also the release form.
What if I don’t remember when I first performed?
All of our past programs are posted on our website. Browse through and find yourself here.
What if in the first year I performed I danced in two groups?
Pick one.
Can I use Screaming Sa’adya as the name of my group?
Yes, assuming you danced with them. It’s been decades since we were concerned that the name wasn’t sufficiently dignified. Feel free to use the cockamamie alternative name, or go with Screaming Sa’adya if you prefer. Or the full name which was Screaming Sa’adya and the Electric Camels. Whatever floats your boat.
What happens after I submit the sign up form and sign the Release Form?
Just put Thursday, March 11 at 2 PM in Kresge on your calendar. And of course Sunday March 14 at noon in Kresge. If there’s more you need to know we’ll be in touch. We’ll also keep you posted on any other festivities we come up with in celebration of our 50th.
This is all so exciting. How else can I help?
I thought you’d never ask. Ticket sales alone are not enough to keep us going from year to year. Please consider a donation to honor this momentous occasion. Donations of $180+ are eligible to submit an ad for the Festival program. Details are on the donation page and ads are due by February 27th, 2027.
What if I have more questions?
Email me at [email protected]
What if I know someone who’s eligible and should know about this (even if I can't make it)?
Please send them the link which got you here, and thanks for spreading the word.
Looking forward to seeing you again!
Ira Vishner (the guy in the blue apron)
Has it really been 50 years?
Yes! The Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Sunday, March 14, 2027.
Can I be part of the celebration?
We are inviting anyone who first performed in the Boston Festival in the twentieth century (1977-2000) to a special alumni reunion.
What if I first performed in 2001?
Sorry. Check back in another 50 years. I won’t be running the reunion then so someone else will be making the rules.
How will we be identified?
This tribute to the show will be called Vatikim. Vatikim means veterans in Hebrew.
How will the Vatikim participate in the festivities?
The Vatikim will do a special run-on before the show begins.
Oh no. Will I have to be at Kresge at 6 AM on the day of the show to learn the run-on?
No! The run-on rehearsal will be in Kresge on Thursday, March 11 at 2 PM.
What music are we using?
We are running on to Hora Nirkoda. It means “let’s dance the hora” which seems an appropriate message. Hora Nirkoda was the finale music used in the first Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston back in 1977.
Can I get a teaching video in advance?
No. We’re honoring our traditions by sticking to old technology in-person teaching methods. If you feel the need to prepare in advance, practice walking. Then practice clapping your hands while you walk. Pick up the pace to a slow jog. No marathons here. If you’re feeling really ambitious try walking a four-step circle over your right shoulder. Note that I said walking. No spinning.
It’s been so long since I’ve danced. Can I do this?
Trust me, you’ll be fine.
What about costumes?
If you have an old costume in the back of your closet, I’m impressed. If you can still fit in it I’m even more impressed. If not, maybe you can borrow a costume from a friend. Otherwise, how about a vintage Festival or group t-shirt? Or get yourself a new Festival t-shirt here. If all else fails, just wear something that makes you want to get up and dance.
Footwear?
Whatever works for you. Barefoot or dance slippers or orthopedic shoes. If you’re in big heavy clunkers be careful not to step on fellow dancers who are still crazy enough to dance barefoot.
Jewelry?
OK. But nothing big and clunky that could fly off and damage you or a fellow dancer.
Makeup?
As you wish. But please no perfume or heavy fragrances. Lots of folks are sensitive these days.
Cell phones?
Do you really have to ask? Make sure they’re silenced.
What will happen on Thursday March 11?
You’ll learn the special run-on which will open the 50th Israel Folkdance Festival of Boston on Sunday afternoon, March 14th. We’ll pose for a big group photo. After that we’ll have a reception in Rehearsal Room A (no eating in the auditorium!) where you can nosh and catch up with old friends. We’ll screen the Festival Flashback which we created in 2021 when our annual live performances were interrupted by COVID. The Flashback features videos of classic Festival performances from 1977-2000.
What will happen on Sunday March 14?
You don’t have to be there at 6 AM!! But you do have to show up at noon for the dress rehearsal. After your run-on you’ll sit in the audience and watch the rest of the dress rehearsal. Applaud wildly to encourage this new generation of dancers. There will be a break after dress rehearsal ends, and then you’ll do your run on to open the actual show. When the run on ends you’ll return to the audience to watch the show.
What if I’m also performing in this year’s show?
Kudos to you! Your arrival time is the same as the rest of your group's. After our run-on, instead of watching the show from the audience, you’ll go wherever your group leader tells you to go and do whatever it is your group leader tells you to do. Please inform your group leader that you're part of this tribute so they can do their paperwork accordingly.
Do I need a ticket for the show?
Yes unless you’re also performing in another piece. We’ll have a way to reserve your seat for you so no one takes it while you’re doing the run-on. There are no senior discounts.
What about parking?
Over the past 50 years, parking in the People’s Republic of Cambridge has gotten worse and worse. When we get closer to the date of the event we’ll let you know about garage possibilities. Public transportation is good. And since you last performed they’ve come up with this crazy innovation called Uber. It’s worth checking out.
I’m in! I might be in! I'm not in but want updates from Ira! How do I sign up?
Fill in this form and also the release form.
What if I don’t remember when I first performed?
All of our past programs are posted on our website. Browse through and find yourself here.
What if in the first year I performed I danced in two groups?
Pick one.
Can I use Screaming Sa’adya as the name of my group?
Yes, assuming you danced with them. It’s been decades since we were concerned that the name wasn’t sufficiently dignified. Feel free to use the cockamamie alternative name, or go with Screaming Sa’adya if you prefer. Or the full name which was Screaming Sa’adya and the Electric Camels. Whatever floats your boat.
What happens after I submit the sign up form and sign the Release Form?
Just put Thursday, March 11 at 2 PM in Kresge on your calendar. And of course Sunday March 14 at noon in Kresge. If there’s more you need to know we’ll be in touch. We’ll also keep you posted on any other festivities we come up with in celebration of our 50th.
This is all so exciting. How else can I help?
I thought you’d never ask. Ticket sales alone are not enough to keep us going from year to year. Please consider a donation to honor this momentous occasion. Donations of $180+ are eligible to submit an ad for the Festival program. Details are on the donation page and ads are due by February 27th, 2027.
What if I have more questions?
Email me at [email protected]
What if I know someone who’s eligible and should know about this (even if I can't make it)?
Please send them the link which got you here, and thanks for spreading the word.
Looking forward to seeing you again!
Ira Vishner (the guy in the blue apron)
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