The Macedonian Oro
Did you know that the Hora originated in Ancient Greece? The dance was derived from the Khoros – and was danced in a circle – accompanied by singing.
I did not know that.
Homer referred to this dance in his poem, the Iliad.
Cool!
In fact, the Hora was not a Jewish dance until it traveled (via settlers) to Palestine from Romania in the early 20th century. Other traditional circle dances, also derived from the Khoros, can be found all over Eastern Europe and the Balkans. They are all danced in similar fashion, and include…
- Turkish and Romanian Hora
- Bulgarian Horo
- Montenegrin and Macedonian ora
Originally, the Khoros was danced to honor the gods in religious celebrations. It was performed as a circular dance performed in Athens in honor of the God Dionysus. There were variations of the ancient dance since each village had separate religious customs. Later in Ancient Greek Culture – centralized in Athens - it was associated with Greek tragedy, where a group of actors would sing together (choir) commenting on dramatic events taking place. When Christianity came into being, the circular dance was danced on religious holidays. In Romania, it’s common that the Hora is danced on Easter Sunday – as well as in town squares, and in celebration of weddings and other milestones.
The first Jewish Hora was brought by the Romanian folk dancer, Baruch Agadati, in 1924 when he created a Hora for the show by the Ohel Theater Company. This theatrical company toured the early Jewish settlements in Israel.
Hora Agadati, as it was called – became an instant hit!
And, that’s what I say – is history!
Happy planning!
Thanks to Forward.com for the terrific information
Please show me this dance being performed. I might like to do it!! My little sister might like to do it too.
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