A
Klez Act

Story and Dance for a New Jewish Tradition
   
         
         
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songs to order
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Mummer's Play
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A Klez Act web site
Text by Jacob Bloom
Web site design, editing, code by Rachael Stark
Photography, image editing by Chris Cirker
A Klez Act web site
Rachael Stark © 1999
Music and dance for everyone
Jacob Bloom of A Klez Act leads Klezmer dancing, New England dancing, Contra dancing and Square dancing. He also tells stories and writes songs. Jacob will come to your school, synagogue, church, library, wedding, community group, party, or anywhere you need great music, stories, or dance. Contact Jacob Bloom and A Klez Act at jacob@aklezact.com.
Available on this site are descriptions of some of the Contra dances and Morris dances written by Jacob Bloom, a description of a Klezmer dance that Jacob collected in 1968, songs Jacob has written, a script for a Mummer's Play, as well as descriptions of the programs Jacob performs. Please browse through the site and let us know what you think. We'd like to hear from you!
What is Klezmer dancing?
Klezmer music is a musical tradition which dates back several centuries in Eastern and Central Europe. Jewish immigrants brought it to this country, where it was influenced by jazz, and influenced the styles of jazz musicians such as Benny Goodman. After nearly disappearing, Klezmer music was rediscovered by a new generation of musicians in the 1970's and is now being enjoyed by people of many ages, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.
Dance was a vibrant and important part of this tradition. Many Klezmer tunes were written specifically for group dances such as the Freylach and Bulgar, couple dances such as the Korobushka, and a square dance called the Sher. Jacob is very excited by the opportunity to bring this world of music and dance to the 21st Century American public.
What is Contra dancing?
New England Country Dancing, also known as contra and square dancing, has been danced in New England town halls and grange halls without a break since the seventeenth century. Since the 1960's it has enjoyed a revival, and is now done around the world.
Who is Jacob Bloom?
Jacob started contra dancing in 1974, and has been calling since 1977. He has combined his knowledge of Klezmer dance, which he learned as a teenager and at Klezmer music conventions, with skills developed as a leader of traditional New England dance. He has called evenings of contra dancing set to Klezmer music, as well as evenings of Klezmer and Israeli dance.
Dance for beginners
Jacob's two decades of dancing, choreography and dance calling let him choose dances that work for all participants. He has created and modified dances in both the New England and Klezmer traditions towards that purpose, and is particularly adept at helping groups of beginners enjoy themselves while dancing.
Writing and performing dance
Jacob has also been a Morris and sword dancer for over two decades, and has taught these English Ritual dance forms to adults and children. Jacob has toured in Europe with the English ritual dance team The Black Jokers, and the New England dance performance group The Green Mountain Volunteers.
Dances Jacob has composed have been included in the books Zesty Contras, published by the New England Folk Festival Association, and Gems, published by the Country Dance and Song Society of America.
Contact Jacob Bloom & A Klez Act
We provide dance calling, storytelling and music for your group or event. We take commissions for dances, music and songs for weddings and other special occasions. E-mail Jacob Bloom and A Klez Act at jacob@aklezact.com.
         
         
   
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Rachael Stark © 1999 All rights reserved
Contact A Klez Act at jacob@aklezact.com