Klezmer Collaborations
This initiative under ZACHOR Dance Projects works on building a new movement language that fuses elements of Yiddish dance (the diasporic folk dances of Ashkenazi/Eastern-European Jews performed to Klezmer music) with our contemporary practice. Through this series we are able to bring a beautiful piece of Jewish culture to a broader audience while revitalizing this tradition and promoting cultural exchange.We have been working directly with Klezmer musicians, developing new choreographic projects, and leading workshops and regular classes to share the rich history of Yiddish dance with the larger community.
This initiative under ZACHOR Dance Projects works on building a new movement language that fuses elements of Yiddish dance (the diasporic folk dances of Ashkenazi/Eastern-European Jews performed to Klezmer music) with our contemporary practice. Through this series we are able to bring a beautiful piece of Jewish culture to a broader audience while revitalizing this tradition and promoting cultural exchange.We have been working directly with Klezmer musicians, developing new choreographic projects, and leading workshops and regular classes to share the rich history of Yiddish dance with the larger community.
Upcoming Performances
"Looking Back, Stepping Forward" Expanding on the prior collaboration with Ezekiel's Wheels Klezmer Band, “Gathering Sparks”, “Looking Back, Stepping Forward” explores diasporic identity, cultural transmission, and evolution in a full evening-length performance. The work invites audiences to reflect on what it means to honor history while allowing tradition to live and change in our bodies. This investigation centers Yiddish dance, a form whose revival has lagged behind klezmer music by 30 years. As a result, it has therefore absorbed far less influence from our contemporary time and place as American Jews, creating fertile ground for reimagining how this tradition might evolve.
The show will premiere this December through Global Arts Live in the brand-new Takeda Theater at The Platform in Kendall Square! Sunday, December 6th, 2026. Tickets are on sale now! Reserve yours today for the best seat selection. |
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Additional Works
Gathering Sparks
"Gathering Sparks," choreographed by Rachel Linsky in collaboration with Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band, fuses elements of Yiddish folk dance with contemporary dance styles. Klezmer music today reflects centuries of cultural exchange, stemming from roots in Ashkenazi Jewish musical modes and expressive sensibilities, while adapting influences from Eastern European, Balkan, and Ottoman music. In recent history, it has even fused with Jazz and other styles in America. Klezmer and Yiddish dance hold many stories and rich cultural information that depict one branch of the Jewish Diaspora, beautifully demonstrating moments throughout history when different communities came together through celebration, music, and dance. This work highlights the ways in which this culture continues to thrive, fuse, and evolve today, while still maintaining its strong roots and identity.
Watch a short excerpt of "Gathering Sparks" presented through TedX:
We have performed the full work of "Gathering Sparks" at The Museum of Fine Art, Boston, the Jewish Culture Festival of Rhode Island, Boston University, and the Somerville Armory. After each performance, we lead the audience in a Yiddish dance workshop, accompanied by live klezmer music to share some of the rich history embedded in these dances.
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Classes & Workshops
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You can now Join Rachel Linsky for Yiddish dance classes through RUACH!
In each class we explore a new piece of traditional repertoire, from Freylekhs and Bulgars to Zhoks, Khosidls, maybe even some Shers! Whether you’re new to movement or have previous dance experience, these dances are for everyone and this class welcomes all ages and abilities. What to bring: * Comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement * You can dance barefoot or bring a pair of clean, dedicated dance studio shoes for more support * Don’t forget a water bottle! |
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