Israeli Dance Classes at the JCC Indianapolis
FREE FOR MEMBERS
Our dance classes at the JCC Indianapolis are first and foremost cardio fitness classes with dance-like moves. The low impact cardio part means working to achieve a target heart rate, increasing metabolic rate, burning calories, and improving stamina. The dance part is for participants to have so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re getting a great cardio workout!
Israeli dance is a fusion of traditional and contemporary dance styles reflective of the diverse culture of Israel. From Yemenite, hora, and debka to folk, salsa, ballet, hip-hop, (and more!), there is something for everyone. The dances are sometimes lively and energetic, sometimes lyrical and meditative. You don’t need any experience, just a positive attitude, a fun-loving spirit, and an open mind. The music will draw you in, the friendly atmosphere will keep you coming back.
Benefits of Israeli Dance Exercise
It’s fun: The more you enjoy your exercise routine, the more likely you are to stick with it. Many people say they have so much fun dancing that they forget they are actually exercising.
Emphasis on community and socializing: Dancers join hands and become part of a worldwide community linking people together regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or level of expertise.
Tones your entire body: You may feel sore in places you never knew existed, but it gets results. Aerobic dance targets lots of different muscle groups at once for total body toning.
Boosts your heart health: You not only get aerobic benefits (it really gets your heart rate up), but you also get anaerobic benefits – the kind that help you maintain a good cardiovascular respiratory system.
Makes you happy: Every time you exercise, you release endorphins, which trigger positive feelings throughout the body.
An Israeli Dance Workout Is Best Suited for …
Those looking for low impact but high aerobic cardio.
Women ages 24-55 or older looking to lose or maintain weight.
What to Expect
It is best to wear yoga pants and light tops and footwear, or items that allow for freedom of movement but won’t tangle easily. Bare feet are not allowed for hygiene reasons.
Our Israeli Dance classes are free as a benefit of membership and are for JCC members only.
Israeli Dance classes take place in the large Group Exercise Studio in the Mordoh Fitness Center.
Check our Schedules page for dates and times.
First hour: Beginner
This class will emphasize proficiency in the basic steps found in Israeli Dance, and then use these steps to learn simple dances in all forms (mostly circle but some line and possibly partner). Instruction will move at a slower pace with emphasis on practice and repetition. No dance experience necessary.
Second hour: Intermediate/Advanced
This class is intended for those with some dance experience (Israeli or other). The instruction will be quicker, the dances more challenging, and the focus will be on building an extensive repertoire. Demonstration/performance opportunities for those interested.
Everyone is welcome to attend both classes, but if you have no prior dance experience you may want to start with the beginner session.
JCC Israeli Dance Instructor
Rhea McDonald never met a dance she didn’t like. She’s participated in Ballet, Contra Dance, Belly Dance, Salsa, West Coast Swing, and more. But Israeli Dance speaks to her soul. What she loves about Israeli Dance is that it includes many diverse styles of dance and music, making it accessible to everyone who loves to dance. She learned to teach Israeli Dance at a leadership camp in New York and with Fred Berk in Israel. By the time she was 16 she had started her own dance group and began teaching children and teens at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and then at Indiana University. Over the past 20+ years she has taught Israeli Dance at numerous venues in and around Indianapolis and has presented Israeli Dance for special events such as Yom Ha’atzma’ut and other holiday celebrations. She keeps current with the ever-increasing Israeli Dance repertoire by regularly attending Israeli Dance workshops led by Israeli choreographers and teachers.
Fitness Is a Core Jewish Value
At the JCC, fitness isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are. Although exercise is not mentioned in the Torah, taking care of one’s health is. In fact, while other belief systems advocate for the healing power of prayer, Judaism encourages people to look after their health and seek counsel from medical experts. In Judaism, good health is not a goal in itself; rather, it is a means to an end – to serve the Creator.