Dancing the Hora

Jewish weddings are a blast. Emotional, rooted in history and tradition, from the Tisch, Badeken and breaking the glass, full of laughs and plenty of drink. Let’s not kid ourselves, which part of the day do most look forward to the most? The Hora!

If you’re searching for a Jewish wedding photographer who knows how to get the best photographs of the Hora, give me shout!

Check out Kearney & Mark’s real fusion wedding story here, which also has a military twist

Sometimes referred to simply as Jewish dancing or maybe even Israeli dancing, The Hora is a fast paced high energy dance, guests, friends and family throw down as if it was there own wedding, the energy is through the roof, it’s sweaty, loud, and incredible to photograph! Danced to Klezmer music, the Hora is a circle dance, often starting with the couple in the middle of a sheet with a hole in the middle in which they stand and dance, whilst all the guests hold on to the rest of the material and enthusiastically shake it whilst singing. This then evolves into the images you have most likely seen on plenty of TV shows and films, the part where the couple are lifted up on to chairs and sometimes thrown about on top of a sheet. These parts make for particularly awesome photos as the couple are often both exhilarated and terrified, and rightly so, everyone’s been drinking at this point.

If it’s an Orthodox Jewish wedding then expect to see the men and the women dancing separately, either with obvious physical distance or in some cases with a wall dividing the two group. Liberal Jewish weddings however will have the festivities happening in the same place.
As a photographer it is most definitely a challenge, but one I certainly relish. There is so much happening in a short space of time, so many reactions to capture, so many possibilities as you mix people on chairs with adults who have been drinking. You have to be on your toes, dancing to the rhythm, trying to stay in the same headspace as the crowd to try to predict what will happen next. The focus of the whole crowd is solely on the bride and groom as they are hoisted above the rest of the group, however there are some absolutely brilliant moments to be captured by turning around and staring into the crowd. Often guests will laugh and gasp at what they are witnessing, a great opportunity to capture photos of parents too as they look on with smiles remembering when that was them being hoisted up on their own wedding day.

Get the party started: KLEZMER MUSIC

Live bands will add another dimension when it comes to getting the party started. Narration, hollers that fill the room and the ability to jee up the crowd, a quality live band will play a big role in getting everyone up and dancing. If the budget wont allow for a live band, don’t worry, as long as your DJ has a bank of Klezmer classics to bang out over the sound system, everyone will still be up and raving in no time. Probably worth checking over their playlist before the big day to make sure they’ve got all of the well know melodies

WHEN TO DANCE THE HORA

Before or after dinner, before or after speeches, it really is entirely your choice. Although if you are going to throw the bride and groom around on a sheet then maybe save that one for after dinner! There is no right or wrong way, go with what fits into your day best. If I can offer some advice though based upon eating times, make sure that there is plenty of time to either rest before eating, or to let food go down. I’ve been to Jewish weddings where the Hora occurred before the meal and another where it occurred after. The reason both were successful however is the time they left between. When dancing the Hora before, it works really well to have it as part of the entrance into the evening reception. The couple enter the room and the dancing gets underway straight away and the laughter and enthusiasm is carried through to the speeches. When it happens after the meal, there is always a really good gap after eating to make sure everyone’s food has gone down, they’ve had a post meal coffee to perk up again, and off they go!
Bear in mind elderly guests too. If you have grand parents who might like to see the Hora, they may be getting tired if you leave it too late.
Ultimately, you know your friends and family, if you know they’ll be up for it regardless, then it doesn’t really matter, just make sure people aren’t completely blasted with drink before they pick you up.

HOW long does Israeli dancing last for?

Again, many moving parts to answer this one. I’ve seen it last an hour, I’ve seen it last twenty minutes, I’ve also seen people sit down, have a rest and get back up again and this continual wave of guests keep subbing in and out to keep momentum going. You know how hard your friends will party. Try as best as you can to keep momentum whilst not exhausting everyone.
This is where your band can really earn their money
A good live band will dictate the pace of the evening. If they know you have a timetable to stick to, then they can make sure things get crazy at the right time and dictate the pace so as not to run into dinner and as well not to exhaust people whilst the night is still young. A top quality live band is really worth the investment.

Top Tip – Let loose

This is an opportunity to really cut loose and go for it, the images will be pure joy. Sweat, shouting, drink flowing – it makes for epic photographs and if you embrace your hair do coming loose and your make up running, you’ll have the time of your life.

Dancing the Hora: A Celebration of Love and Community

The Hora, a lively group dance, is an iconic part of Jewish weddings. Following the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests form circles and start moving to the lively beats of traditional Jewish music, typically led by a Klezmer band. The energy in the room during this moment is truly infectious – it’s a whirlwind of joy, love, and camaraderie.

Up in the Chairs: An Elevated Moment

One of the most memorable aspects of the Hora is when the bride and groom are lifted onto chairs and hoisted into the air. Their faces are often a mix of exhilaration, surprise, and sheer joy. The crowd below claps, cheers, and dances, all while ensuring the couple’s safe passage above their heads. It’s an uplifting moment in every sense, symbolizing the couple’s elevated status in their community and the support they have from their loved ones.

As a Photographer: Capturing the Energy of the Hora

From a photographer’s perspective, the Hora is a gold mine of unforgettable shots. The couple’s laughter as they’re lifted in their chairs, the swirling dancers, and the beaming faces of the onlookers all contribute to the visual spectacle. It’s a testament to the close-knit community spirit, and the images captured during the Hora often turn out to be some of the most cherished in the wedding album.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of the Hora

The Hora dance is more than just a lively tradition; it’s an embodiment of unity, support, and shared joy that beautifully encapsulates the essence of a wedding. As a wedding photographer, it’s an absolute delight to witness and capture this dance of love and camaraderie. Each click of my camera during the Hora tells a story of shared happiness and strong community bonds, weaving a beautiful chapter in the couple’s love story.

So the next time you find yourself at a Jewish wedding, remember the significance of the Hora dance. It’s not just a circle dance; it’s a dance of unity, joy, and mutual support, encapsulating the essence of the wedding – the union of two lives, celebrated by an entire community. And that, my friends, is truly something worth dancing about!