*2nd Generation dance. A dance that developed and was disseminated in a non-traditional way. 2G dances are specific – have a fixed format designed to correspond with the arrangement of a particular recording., whereas 1G dances are generic – have a shorter sequence that works with live music – where many different songs are played and arrangements vary according to the tastes of musicians and dancers. For more on the differences between 1st & 2nd G dances click here.
Above is a demonstration of the Hora Hadera (or Chadera) most North Americans know, including the original music. They get off to a rough start, as the formation is supposed to be a circle, so pay attention to the last run-through.
Below is a clear teaching as it appears to be practiced in Israel today, but notice changes to the 3rd section – shoulder hold has been changed to hands held in “V”, for instance.
Here’s the original music
As this dance is dedicated to the spirit of early Hassidic settlements in Israel, it seems to me appropriate to use Klezmer music from that time. The Klezmer revival from the 1980’s to the present provides many examples of joyous freilachs and other forms of music. Let loose!
Folkdance Footnotes 