Rhiannon Hendricks
The hora is a type of circle dance traditionally performed in Southeast Europe, often during wedding celebrations and festivals. It is particularly popular at Jewish weddings, where it is customary to raise the bride and groom, each on their own chair, holding a handkerchief between them. The hora is usually performed to Israeli folk songs, and sometimes to Jewish songs, often to the music of Hava Nagila, a beloved Jewish folk song.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dance | Circle dance |
| Culture | Romanian, Moldovan, Jewish, Israeli, Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish, Serbian, Montenegrin, North Macedonian |
| Accompaniment | Cymbalom, accordion, violin, viola, double bass, saxophone, trumpet, pan pipes |
| Formation | Dancers form a circle, holding hands or interlocking arms behind their backs or on their shoulders |
| Steps | Three steps forward and one step back |
| Direction | Counterclockwise |
| Wedding tradition | Raising the bride and groom, each on their own chair and holding a handkerchief between them |
| Music | "Hava Nagila", "Wedding Hora Medley", "Hora Unirii", "Hora of Joy", "Hora", "Tzena, Tzena", "Artza Alinu", "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" |
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What You'll Learn
Hora dance steps
The hora dance, a Jewish wedding tradition, involves guests holding hands and dancing in concentric circles around the newlyweds. The dance begins with guests joining hands in a circle, with their right palms facing up and left palms facing down. The steps involve a side step to the left, followed by crossing the right foot behind the left. Repeat the side step to the left, then hop on the left foot. Next, kick with the right foot, followed by a step and hop with the right foot. Finish with a kick on the left foot.
Another variation of the hora involves stepping to the left and crossing the right foot in front of the left. Repeat the side step to the left, and then cross the right foot behind the left. Kick with the right foot, step to the right, and finish with a kick on the left foot. During the dance, certain guests may be brought to the centre of the circle to dance with the couple and their families.
The hora also includes pairs of guests linking arms and spinning in a circle. Smaller groups of men often dance in circles or lines with their arms around each other's shoulders. The dance culminates in the newlyweds, and sometimes their immediate family members, being lifted on chairs while the guests continue to dance and celebrate around them.
The hora is a lively and joyous tradition that brings everyone together on the dance floor. It is a dance of Romanian and Israeli origins, usually performed at Jewish wedding receptions to celebrate the newlywed couple.
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Hora song history
The hora is a traditional Jewish circle dance that originated from Eastern European folk tradition. The dance has roots in the Balkans, where different countries use slightly different terminology for the dance. For example, the dance is known as the 'horo' in Bulgaria, the 'oro' in Montenegro and Herzegovina and Macedonia, and the horon in Turkey. In Romania, the dance is called the 'horă', which is also the root of the word 'hora'. The hora is a circle dance that involves holding hands with other guests and moving in a fast and cheerful motion to the left.
The modern-day hora dates back to 1924 when it was performed for Jews settling in Palestine. It became associated with joy and celebration and has been performed at Jewish weddings and other special occasions in Israel and America ever since. The dance is often accompanied by live music, with songs such as "
At orthodox Jewish weddings, men and women dance separately, forming their own circles. At more liberal Jewish weddings, men and women dance together in co-ed circles with the couple in the middle. The hora step involves bringing the right foot to the back and repeating the same motion with the left foot. The dance culminates when the newlyweds, and sometimes their parents, are lifted onto chairs while guests dance vigorously around them. While in the air, the newlyweds each hold one end of a napkin, symbolising their everlasting union.
The hora is a key element of a Jewish wedding and is often considered one of the highlights. There is no set rule for when the hora should be performed during the wedding reception, but most couples choose to do it either as soon as the couple is introduced to the guests at the beginning of the reception or after dinner before opening the dance floor for more high-energy dances.
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Hora dance history
The hora is a type of circle dance traditionally performed in Southeast Europe, including countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. It is also danced in Jewish communities, having been culturally adopted by the Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardic Jews and the Roma. The dance is usually accompanied by musical instruments such as the cymbalom, accordion, violin, viola, double bass, saxophone, trumpet or pan pipes.
The term "hora" comes from the Greek "χορός" (khoros), meaning "dance". The Greek word may have originally meant "circle", and the dance is performed in a linked circle, with dancers holding hands or putting their hands on each other's shoulders. The hora is a metaphor for community, with the circle opening to admit nubile women, adolescent boys entering manhood, and those ending mourning. It shuts out anyone who has violated local moral standards. In Romanian, this is referred to as "playing the hora", reflecting the dance's joyful nature.
The hora is a staple at weddings and on New Year's Eve, and it is also danced at festivals and whenever there is folk music playing. The most popular Romanian hora is the Hora Mare, or Great Hora, which is danced at special occasions such as weddings. One of the most famous hore is the "Hora Unirii" ("Hora of the Union"), which became a Romanian patriotic song when Wallachia and Moldavia united to form the Principality of Romania in 1859.
The hora differs somewhat between cultures. For example, the Israeli hora, imported from the Balkans, is performed with grapevine steps and does not carry social importance or festive significance; rather, it is simply an expression of happiness. In Bulgaria, each region has its own type of hora, or horo, with different steps and rhythms. There are probably over 100 types of horo dances in Bulgarian folklore.
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Hora songs for beginners
The hora is a traditional Romanian and Moldovan folk dance, usually performed in a circle, where dancers hold each other's hands and the circle spins, often counterclockwise. The dance is accompanied by musical instruments such as the accordion, violin, trumpet, and pan pipes. The hora is a popular feature of wedding celebrations, particularly in Jewish culture.
For beginners, there are a few key hora songs to know. One of the most famous hora songs is "Hava Nagila", which is often used to accompany the dance. "Hava Nagila" has its roots in Israeli and Jewish folk music and is a popular choice for weddings and other celebrations. Another classic hora song is "Hora Agadati", which was choreographed by dancer and choreographer Baruch Agadati in 1924. This dance is usually performed to Israeli folk songs and sometimes to Jewish music.
If you're looking for a modern twist on the traditional hora, there are some alternative versions of hora songs that have gained popularity. "Hora", sung by Avi Toledano, who represented Israel in the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest, is a more contemporary take on the traditional hora dance. For a wedding, the "Wedding Hora Medley" by Eitan Masuri is a popular choice, providing a mix of traditional and modern hora music.
In terms of the dance steps for beginners, the hora typically involves participants forming a circle, holding hands, and stepping forward toward the left with the right foot, then following with the left foot. This is followed by a sequence of steps, usually three steps forward and one step back, as the circle spins. In Bulgaria, where the dance is known as "horo", the steps can vary, with different regions having their own types of horo dances, each with unique steps and rhythms.
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Hora songs for advanced dancers
The hora is a highly energetic Israeli circle dance that is often performed at weddings and other celebrations by Jews in Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It is a flexible dance that can accommodate both beginners and advanced dancers. While beginners can simply walk or skip in a circle, more advanced dancers can perform the traditional steps or even choreograph their own moves.
For advanced hora dancers, there are a variety of options to make the dance more challenging and engaging. Firstly, advanced dancers can focus on perfecting the traditional steps and sequences, such as the three steps forward and one step back in the Romanian and Moldovan styles or the grapevine-style steps in the Jewish tradition.
Additionally, advanced dancers can experiment with different formations and variations of the hora. For example, the hora can be danced in concentric circles, with dancers holding hands or interlocking arms, or it can be performed in a curving line, as done in the traditional Bulgarian horo. Dancers can also try the "Hora Agadati," which was choreographed by Baruch Agadati in 1924 and is based on the Romanian hora dance. This variation includes unique steps and formations that add a layer of complexity.
Music is also an important aspect of the hora for advanced dancers. While the hora is commonly performed to Israeli folk songs, Jewish songs, or the popular "Hava Nagila," advanced dancers might want to explore less common musical choices. This could include traditional Romanian, Moldovan, or Bulgarian folk music, played with instruments such as the cymbalom, accordion, violin, or saxophone.
Finally, advanced dancers can focus on the duration and stamina required for the hora. While a hora dance can last anywhere from five to twenty minutes, advanced dancers might aim to extend this duration, building their endurance and ensuring they can maintain the energetic and exuberant nature of the dance throughout the entire performance.
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Frequently asked questions
Hora, also known as horo and oro, is a type of circle dance traditionally performed in Southeast Europe. It is usually accompanied by musical instruments such as the cymbalom, accordion, violin, viola, double bass, saxophone, trumpet or the pan pipes.
At Jewish weddings, the hora is often danced to the song "Hava Nagila".
In the 1950s and '60s, other songs played during the hora at Jewish weddings included "Tzena, Tzena", "Artza Alinu", and "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem".
Couples getting married might choose to play a unique version of the hora song, such as a medley of songs or a version that incorporates other cultural elements, like Irish folk tunes.
The hora dance has different names and variations in different countries and cultures. For example, in Bulgaria, it is known as "horo", in Romania as "horă", and in Turkey as "horon".
