Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association
BECOME AN AIFDA DANCER
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Send your questions to aifdaedmonton@gmail.com
"For the past 10 years I have had the honor to be a part of the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association. Throughout my time, I have been granted many opportunities including the once in a lifetime trip to Florida where we performed in a massive festival in Miami, as well as shows in Orlando and DisneyWorld. I am always so proud to be dancing as a part of this group whether we're in Winnipeg with our pen pals, Florida, Festival Hatzafon, Heritage Days, or community events. Israeli dance has helped shape and broaden my dance techniques and provides a sense of accomplishment in my dance abilities. I am extremely proud to be an Israeli dancer."
Member of Aviv
"Looking back at my time with AIFDA, I have grown as a dancer, performer, and leader. My time spent with this incredible group of people has allowed me to be a part of the global Israeli dance community as well as connect with other cultural folk dance groups sharing their love of dance. Thank you, Sari, for creating a space to express myself while connecting to my roots."
Member of Aviv
Who We Are
The Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association (AIFDA) was formed in the Spring of 2006, by choreographer and artistic-director, Sari Uretsky-Leung. “Aviv” is the Hebrew word for “Spring” and this performing folk dance group definitely has a Spring in their step! In 2012 AIFDA was incorporated as a non-profit registered society in the province of Alberta and currently comprises of 2 performance groups, AVIV and SHEMESH ranging from junior high school through adult as well as offering recreational circle dance open to the public.
In 2022, AIFDA absorbed RIKUD into AIFDA as another dance program. This program offers lessons for kids in kindergarten to grade 6.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Sari Uretsky, founder of the Aviv Israeli Folk Dance Association (AIFDA) and Festival Hatzafon (Festival of the North), began her dance training at the age of four. She trained in disciplines of tap, ballet, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary dance and has performed, taught and choreographed for over twenty years. She began to train in, perform and choreograph Israeli Folk dance in 1999. She has spent the past nine years creating, building and expanding an Israeli dance program in Edmonton Alberta, for dancers of all ages.
Sari began with six dancers in 2006, and has grown her program to include three performing troupes, a recreational folk dance group and a school of Israeli dance. Her performing troupes are showcased at multicultural events in Edmonton and surrounding areas, have traveled to Calgary, Vancouver and Israel to perform and have appeared on CTV, Global TV and Omni TV. Sari has won awards for her choreography and has attended training sessions in Vancouver, Edmonton and Israel. She has worked closely with well-known Israeli dance choreographers such as Shuki and Yaniv Hoffman (Israel) and Roger Weiger (Argentina/Miami).
Sari founded the annual Festival Hatzafon, in 2010, the only Israeli Dance festival in Alberta. Through creative, artistic themes this festival celebrates Israeli heritage, community and connection to the land of Israel. Sari has been the Artistic Director of this festival since its inception. She continues to strive to enhance the festival and her Israeli dance program and to expand its horizons.
OUR GALLERY
These are images of some of our appearances past and present.. Is there anyone you know?
Past Events
Check out some of the fun and impactful events we have taken part in...
2019 Alberta Dance Festival Competition
Awarded a Gold in the National category
Oil Kings Performance
Sharing our love of dance and culture with Edmonton at Roger's Place
