DANCE AS AN OBSERVANT FEMALE
Panel Discussion: Two Part Series
Leading a frum life as a dancer, there are many different paths one can take. Join us to hear six incredible woman and their journeys balancing both worlds in their own unique way. Open to Jewish female dancers who are trying to figure out their path, or want to connect and be inspired by others with similar or different journeys.
Sunday August 6, 8:30PM EST
If you are considering or do already dance in the secular dance world and wish to stay committed to Judaism at the same time – join us for a panel discussion with dancers who have been successful at it. Hear Rhonda Malkin, Anna Levy, and Dena Abergel share their stories and insights about the personal success and challenge of being in both worlds at once – secular dance and religious Judaism.
Sunday August 13, 3PM EST/10PM IST
To hear stories of personal sacrifice and success from women who chose to leave the secular professional dance world to lead a frum life, continuing to find avenues of dancing and contribute their talents and knowledge to the Jewish community, dancers Shaked Sebag, Rachel Factor, and Elie Zigelstein, share their stories and insights.
Zoom ID: 873 0255 5523 pw: dance
Featured Panelists Include:
Dena Abergel – Principal NYC Ballet Dancer, Dance Director & Educator – NY, NY - Dena Abergel began taking ballet classes at the age of six with Dorit Koppel at Progressive Dance Studio in Englewood, New Jersey. When she was twelve, she enrolled as a full-time student at the School of American Ballet, where she continued her training until she joined New York City Ballet at the age of eighteen. During her eighteen years as a member of New York City Ballet, Ms. Abergel performed in numerous works by George… Read more
Anna Shoen – Former Professional Dancer – Riverdale, NY - Hailing from the Bronx, Anna began dancing at the age of 3 and was extremely disappointed in the creative dance class, as it did not have enough rules and was too fluffy for her taste. Finally, at the age of 6 she was able to join her first real ballet class with Doina Wexler at the Riverdale Y! Anna danced there and then at Studio Meistro under the tutelage of Deborah Wingert, constantly struggling with… Read more
Elie Zigelstein – Dancer, Dance School Director – Cedarhurst, NY - Elie is a professional dance instructor who has years of experience. As a past dancer in the secular world, she has strong technical dance training and has performed at venues as large as Madison Square Garden. Elie synthesizes her talent in dancing and passion for Judaism as the Owner of iElevate Dance Company. Each class she gives is a lively, yet highly structured environment geared towards enabling the dancers to feel their best. Currently, Elie… Read more
Rachel Factor – Performer, School Director, Playwright/Producer – Ramat Beit Shemesh - Rachel Factor is recognized worldwide as an inspirational Jewish performer and educator. Over thirty thousand women worldwide, young and old, religious and non-religious, Jews and non-Jews, have enthusiastically attended Rachel’s performances worldwide. Her first acclaimed one-woman show, J.A.P., chronicles her journey through Hawaii, Los Angeles and New York as a singer, dancer and actress, and finally to her home in Jerusalem. Continuing the story, Mrs. Factor wrote and produced sequel Not Even Normal and subsequently Becoming Rich,… Read more
Rhonda Malkin – Dancer, Choreographer – NY, NY - Rhonda Kaufman Malkin is a 1996 honors graduate of Woodbridge High School. During her senior year, Rhonda was the first student from WHS to "crack Disney" and win the Outstanding Dancer Award for the Disneyland Creativity Challenge, a competition open to Orange County performing arts students. Her 13 years of dance training at Irvine Dance Academy lead to a 17-year professional dance career in Los Angeles and New York City. While attending UCLA as a… Read more
Shaked Sebag – Dancer, Choreographer, School Director – Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel - Born in Israel and raised in Arizona, Shaked has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has never stopped. After becoming baalat teshuva in her first year of college in Arizona and finishing her degree in education for the arts, she made aliyah and soon after opened the RBSDMA together with Jezliah Villarreal in 2010. This is her 5th year running the academy as the solo Creative Director and she is so honored… Read more