Workshops & Talks
Join us for a weekend of expressive Yiddish cultural workshops for musicians, singers, dancers, and humans of all levels and generations.
Saturday January 31st @ Center for Performing Arts
4:00-5:30 PM
Let’s Dance Yiddish!
Sarah Myerson and Ilya Shneyveys
Studio 112W
Does klezmer music make you want to move your body to the beat? With renowned Yiddish dance leader Sarah Myerson (NYC), we'll learn to dance a variety of Yiddish repertoire: freylekhs, bulgars, zhoks, and much more! We'll dance in circles, we'll dance in lines, we'll dance in squares, and maybe even in other shapes and patterns. This class is open to all, including those who have never danced Yiddish before. Musicians in particular are highly encouraged to participate; learning to dance will give you a deeper understanding of klezmer music. Advanced musicians (familiar with klezmer music and proficient sight-readers) are invited to play in the band for the dancers directed by international klezmer touring artist Ilya Shneyveys (Latvia/NYC). Chairs will be available for those who need them, as well as other accessibility modifications. Lomir tantsn - let's dance!
Klezmer Instrumental Workshop (Part 1)
Daniel Lentz
Sunroom
Join fiddler Daniel Lentz from Di Bayke Klezmer Band as we develop the Yiddish voice on our instruments and form Minnesota’s newest klezmer ensemble. No stands needed - we’ll learn by ear (the traditional way). Open to musicians of all ages with at least a basic grasp of their instrument (familiarity with some major and minor scales will help to get the most out of this class). Chairs will be provided. This is a two-part workshop (Sat & Sun) and we invite you to attend either day or both. Workshop participants will get to perform together at the Sunday evening tantshoyz in a low-pressure, community-centered chance to share what we’ve learned and celebrate making music together.
Behind the Yiddish Song
Sarah Larsson
Studio 205W
Tumbalalaika, Oyfn Pripetchik, a Yiddishe Mama — for many of us, these songs are the only points of Yiddish culture we’ve been exposed to. It’s Bubbe’s favorite song; it’s in a film soundtrack... but what are the histories behind these “chestnuts”? What are the stories of Jewish experience that inspired their popularity?
You don’t need to know any Yiddish language or any songs in advance - we will sing the songs together in this all-ages workshop. Seated workshop.
5:45 - 6:15 PM
Talk
Miri Villerius
Sunroom
Sunday February 1st @ Center for Performing Arts
4:00-5:30 PM
Yiddish Dance Across Space and Time
Eliana Durnbaugh, Hannah Mackenzie-Margulies, and Ilya Shneyveys
Studio 112W
What makes Yiddish dance Yiddish? It’s not an easy question (spoiler alert: we don’t have an easy answer ourselves)! In this class, we’ll explore core Yiddish dance style and intention through solo gesture and expand our Yiddish dance horizons by learning repertoire from a variety of time periods and geographies. We’ll also create a new dance, joining a long tradition of dance-making across the Yiddish-speaking world. Local Yiddish dance leaders Eliana Durnbaugh and Hannah Mackenzie-Margulies will guide us through some solo dance (in a low-pressure, supportive environment), and in a circle. No experience necessary! Advanced musicians (familiar with klezmer music and proficient sight-readers) are invited to play in the band for the dancers directed by international klezmer touring artist Ilya Shneyveys (Latvia/NYC). Chairs will be available for those who need them, as well as other accessibility modifications.
Klezmer Instrumental Workshop (Part 2)
Daniel Lentz
Studio 205W
Join fiddler Daniel Lentz from Di Bayke Klezmer Band as we develop the Yiddish voice on our instruments and form Minnesota’s newest klezmer ensemble. No stands needed - we’ll learn by ear (the traditional way). Open to musicians of all ages with at least a basic grasp of their instrument (familiarity with some major and minor scales will help to get the most out of this class). Chairs will be provided. This is a two-part workshop (Sat & Sun) and we invite you to attend either day or both. Workshop participants will get to perform together at the Sunday evening tantshoyz in a low-pressure, community-centered chance to share what we’ve learned and celebrate making music together.
Yiddish Letterpress Workshop + Print Your Own Poster
Noam Sienna
Studio 105W
Learn about the role of letterpress printing as a tool of historical Yiddish community-building, resistance, and survival. Combining storytelling with an interactive demonstration by printer and visual artist Noam Sienna, you'll get to handle vintage Yiddish fonts, explore the history of Jewish printing across the world and here in Minnesota, and press your own poster expressing solidarity with our Twin Cities neighbors. No prior experience or knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is required.
If you’re not able to attend the full workshop, you’re still welcome to stop by and press your own poster to take home during the break between the workshop and the evening concert, from 5:30-6:30 PM.
Seated workshop except for voluntary press operation which can be operated while standing or from a wheelchair.
5:30 - 6:30 PM
Press Your Own Yiddish Poster
Noam Sienna
Studio 105W
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.