The year 2007 was the 20th anniversary of the Karmiel dance festival 30th & 31st July, 1st& 2nd August. Held in high regard by those in Israel and all over the world this usually quiet town known for its interest in dance in the north of Israel is inundated with Israeli folk dancers and International folk dancers the world over every year. Thousands gather to participate in the festival either on a performance level or just to join in the dancing sessions available from the morning til the following day break. This pace is kept up for 3 days.
 However this year’s celebration 2007 saw the festival extended to 4 glorious days of fun and excitement with displays of dance and sessions of Israeli folk dancing – lines circles and partners – in a variety of venues with choreographers and session leaders putting on a huge selection of dance repertoire.
Several new dances were presented before the festival began and were danced frequently and with much joy together with the classic and nostalgic dances. Dancers ranged in age from 3 to 93 and their enthusiasm of Israeli dancing was always evident.
This year two teachers from the Machol Israeli dancing club Lili Rose and Rita Blint decided to “undertake” Karmiel. Not only did they survive the hectic pace of the festival where decisions had to be made as to where to allocate your presence in an only 24 hour day but the Karmiel teacher’s course was also undertaken.
 This course is open not only to teachers but to dance enthusiasts world wide and is highly recommended. Nationalities represented this year were Argentina, Australia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia, USA, Taiwan. Everyone enjoyed their time on the course and the joy of dancing made the group like a big happy family.
 From the 33 course participants in the course a select few were asked to present a dance to the group. Lili and Rita were voted the best in their presentation and teaching. This was high praise from a peer level. An “unbiased” view on Israeli dancing is that we have a very high quality of teaching standards here in Australia.
Every dancer should aim for the Karmiel experience. If you don’t you are missing out!
Karmiel festival will be held next year on 23rd, 24th & 25th July so make your plans now. Applications for next year’s  Karmiel Teachers’ course are available now so contact  Lili on 0412202577 or Rita on 0407883351.

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