Writer: Erez Tubul

The world of folk dance in Israel has experienced, in recent years, a refreshing renewal, full of energy, connections and love for people. One of the most beautiful things in the field is the ability of people to create a real community – one that does not just end on the dance floor but also continues into everyday life and social networks. From this place my “Firgunim Corner” on Facebook was born – a special weekly initiative that has created quite a bit of excitement in the world of folk dance.

Every Tuesday, I posted a special section on Facebook where I focused on four or five different dance leaders from Israel and around the world. In each post, you can find genuine praise for their work, their extensive activity, their investment in the dance community, as well as a personal connection and stories from my shared journey with them.

The goal was simple but significant – to shine a light on the people who do good in the field, give them a place of honor, and show the general public how much diversity, creativity, and love exist in the world of folk dance.

Over time, the corner became something that many people really looked forward to. Dancers from all over the country came in to see who the next dance leaders and choreographers would be to receive the weekly recognition, eagerly read the stories, responding, sharing, and expressing great love.

Beyond the likes and comments, something deeper was created – many dancers were exposed for the first time to dance leaders they didn’t know, to new dance sessions, to different venues, and to amazing people who have been working in the field for years. The “Corner” created a big “buzz” online and became a real bridge between communities of dancers from all over the country.

One of the most beautiful things was seeing how, through “the Corner,” the world of folk dance, which sometimes seems divided by regions and dances, turned into one big family. Suddenly, dancers from the north met dance leaders from the south, people were exposed to new dance sessions and began to attend them, and countless new and exciting connections were formed.

Later on, after I introduced my dance “Zuzu” to the general public, a new and particularly exciting door opened. Dance leaders from all over the country began inviting me to be a guest at their dance sessions, to teach the dance and to be part of the special evenings they created for their dancers. Through these invitations, I was able to meet many new dance leaders I had never met before, and most importantly, to meet an amazing and exciting dancing community.

Everywhere I went, in the south and in the north, I felt a huge hug and true love. Dancers welcomed me warmly, with kind words, smiles and endless praise. The feeling was that the world of folk dance goes far beyond dancing – it is a community of people with huge hearts, people who are looking for joy, connection and unity.

From these experiences, another idea was born – to create a special and different setting in the familiar marathon landscape. Thus began the Friday morning marathons at the Yehud-Monson Municipal Community Center. The marathons, which began in March 2025, were built with the idea of giving dancers a different, diverse and value-added experience.

Four different dance leaders were invited to each marathon, each leading the dancing for about an hour. The idea creates tremendous diversity on the dance floor – each dance leader brings their own unique style, the dances they love, their own energy and their own personal connection to the dancers. Since everyone has a relatively short time, they arrive motivated and give their all. The dancers enjoy circle, partner and line dances, a changing rhythm and a lively and dynamic atmosphere throughout the morning.

The responses were not long in coming, and dancers from all over the country began to arrive to take part in the experience. The marathons became widely known thanks to the combination of professionalism, diversity, personal attention and a warm, family atmosphere. Beyond the dances themselves, participants also enjoy rich, sumptuous refreshments, a pampering coffee stand and lots of personal rapport and an open heart to each and every dancer.

To date, many beloved dance leaders have participated in the marathons, including: Yaron Elfasy, Sharon Elkaslassy, Hila Mukdasi, Ilan Swisa, Ofer Yehiel, Shlomi Mordechai, Yossi Miara, Noa Bar Or, Ephy Kashri, Ofer Tzofi, Dorit Mor, Ofer Alfasi, Michael Barzelai, Chen Shporen, Smadar Asor, Keren Oren, Mazal Tomer, Sima Shaul, Victor Gabbay, Esther Meuda, Shulamit Rada, Afeka Ovadia, Idit Shemesh, Shimon Vered, Nissim Halfon, Ronit and Elisha Greengold, Rachel and Asher Cohen, Gabo Mirkin, Yom Tov Ohayon and Zehava Ohayon.

And now, with the seventh marathon on July 3, 2026, it feels like this is just the beginning. Beyond the dances themselves, a true community of people who love to bring joy, honor others, connect, and dance together has been built here. In a world where people are looking for true human connection, it seems that the world of folk dance manages to remind us time and time again how much power music, movement, and an open heart have.

 

Dancers share their experiences

Marathon 6 was much more than a dance event. It was a true celebration of the love of folk dance. A packed hall, hundreds of dancers, an electrifying atmosphere, endless energy and joy evident on everyone’s faces.

But beyond the impressive organizational success, what moved me most was the spirit behind the event. Erez chose to open the stage to many dance leaders from all over the country, to give space to different choreographers, to expose dancers to diverse dances, and to create connections between communities, between styles, and between people.

In a world where it is easy to focus on yourself, Erez chooses to honor others again and again. He invites, shares, promotes, and provides a platform. Thanks to this approach, dancers are exposed to the immense richness that exists in folk dance, and dance leaders are recognized, featured, and embraced by an entire community.

In my opinion, this is a real contribution to the industry. Not just teaching dances, but strengthening the unity, friendships, and sense of family that so characterize the world of folk dance.

Marathon 6 was proof that when professionalism, love of people, generosity and support come together – magic is created.

Thank you Erez. Thank you for your endless investment, your big heart, your ability to unite so many people around one shared love, and for your contribution to promoting folk dance in Israel.

There are many excellent dance leaders in Israel, but few succeed in building bridges between them all.

And this, in my opinion, is one of the greatest gifts you give to our community.

From me, Sara Malka, dancer

 

As someone who has been dancing for many years, I can say that Erez brings a rare combination of professionalism, knowledge and innovation. He puts thought into every detail, builds a high-quality repertoire and manages to maintain a full and vibrant dance floor throughout the marathon. This is a high level of performance that is felt at every dance session.

Dina

Erez’s marathons are a truly stunning and uplifting experience. Each marathon is better and more impressively developed than the previous one. The joy that erupts there is thanks to Erez’s high energy and the joy he brings to the arena. Each marathon is six hours of sensory intoxication that there are literally no words to describe. We also get to have excellent dance leaders who visit and lead us in dance. Erez chooses them carefully. Every marathon is a blast. Perfect.
Yaffa Ben Meir, dancer

Erez’s marathon is much more than a marathon. It’s a celebration of people, of music, and of the love of folk dancing. There’s a special energy there that’s hard to explain in words, and you just have to be there to understand.

Tali Ben-David                                                      

 

What I am writing now comes straight from the heart:

I met Erez about two years ago, and since then I wait every Thursday to come from Holon to the dance session in Yehud. I save the dates of all of his marathons and eagerly await them. I arrive first thing in the morning and stay until the last of the dancers.

At the entrance, Hadassah, Erez’s mother, greets us with a warm welcome and a gift. Upon entering the hall, my heart is filled with good energy, light, and joy. Erez always chooses a wide variety of dances and thinks outside the box, bringing in dancers from all over the country, and in this way we are exposed to addition dance leaders, as well as a veritable potpourri of different and interesting dances, and many connections are created between people.

One can say that every marathon led by Erez is a special experience that stays with us after the music ends.

Eti from Holon

 

Erez’s last marathon exceeded all expectations. The hall was full, the dance floor was electrifying, and the atmosphere was one of true celebration. It was one of those days that stays in the heart long after the music ends.

Shoshi Shor, Yehud

 

I’ve been to all six of Erez’s marathons, and each time I’m sure it’s impossible to surpass the previous one. Then the next marathon comes along and proves me wrong. The dedication, the atmosphere, the support, and the energy are simply extraordinary.

Mazal

 

I have been to two Erez marathons, and what impresses me most is the feeling that everyone belongs. Dance leaders, choreographers, and dancers, meeting on the same dance floor out of a true love for folk dances. It is a special experience that is rarely found in other places.

Tova Kalif