On Sunday night the 53rd Annual Folklorama kicked off.
Going from August 4 through to the 17, Folklorama offers Winnipegger's an opportunity to explore the world by visiting 38 Pavilions spread out over the two weeks.
In this first week of Folklorama there are 19 Pavilions on display, inviting visitors to sample the traditions, food, and culture from such places as Belgium, Cuba, Ireland, and Japan, amongst many others.
One of the highlights of this first week of Folklorama is the Israeli Pavillion which is located at the Rady Jewish Community Centre at 123 Doncaster Street. Called Shalom Square, the Israeli Pavillion has been a part of Folklorama since the very beginning and has been treating audiences to the best in Jewish culture, food, and dance.
Speaking of dance, the entertainment for Shalom Square is the Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble which consists of dancers, singers, and musicians. Since becoming the featured performers for the Pavilion in 1977 the Chai Folk Ensemble has been wowing audiences with their talent, athleticism, energy, and joy in celebrating the best that Israeli dance and music have to offer.
Chai consists of more than 30 dancers, singers, and musicians. It has been a staple of the Jewish community in Winnipeg for 60 years, since its formation in 1964 by the late Sarah Sommer. As dancer Samantha Waldman says, “When you are a dancer and in the Jewish community you are kind of expected to audition for Chai...which is what I did. I've been hearing about it since I was young and have always looked up to the Chai dancers...I enjoy it immensely. It is the highlight of my week to be at Chai rehearsals.”
For others Chai is part of their DNA. For Co-Artistic Director Sarah Sommer, being in the group has a very profound meaning. “I grew up watching the ensemble since I was born. Both my parents were in the ensemble; my grandmother founded the group. It was always something I was passionate and excited about as a kid. I always envisioned myself one day performing on that stage.” Sommer went on to sing with the group for ten years, becoming the vocal director, and ultimately Co-Artistic Director, thereby continuing the legacy of her grandmother.
Chai is the Hebrew word for 'alive' and is a perfect description for the entertaining, high octane show that the group delivers on stage. The group performs dance selections that are representative of what you would hear in Israel today, not just klezmer, but also music that represents the cultural melting pot that is Israel. As Sommer explains, “Israel is such a multi-cultural country, you have influences from all over the world because Israel has taken in refugees facing persecution. We have influences from Yemen, from Morocco, from Eastern Europe, from the Balkans, Türkiye, Greece, you name it...it [the show] really goes to show an authentic representation of what you would get if you went to Israel.”
2024 is the 60th anniversary of the group, and they are having a concert on November 9 at the Club Regent Events Centre to mark this benchmark year. Because of this, Folklorama has extra special importance for all Chai members. As dancer Samantha Waldman States, “It is something that I still do not fully comprehend... the amount of history from the Chai Folk Ensemble...I think it is present in everything we do, from the dance numbers that get passed down, to wearing costumes that others have worn before us. It is very special to be part of that history.”
Chai’s performances at Shalom Square at the Israeli Pavilion are sure to be thoroughly entertaining and full of joy in all things Israeli. Click here to see a detailed program of what will be presented
For more details on the Israeli Pavillion and showtimes click here.