Brazilian Jews show off their dance moves
(Video) Bnei Akiva branch in Rio de Janeiro wins first place at annual dance competition of country's Jewish youth movements
As in previous years, the club Hibraico Rio Rio De Janeiro recently hosted the traditional dance competition held by the Jewish community. The competition is held amongst the Zionist youth movements of Brazil, each movement produces a special dance, while the preparations can take up to half a year.
Bnei Akiva members from Rio de Janeiro participate yearly, and recorded their fine achievements over the years. Bnei Akiva, being a religious movement, is the only team which consists of only female dancers.
This year, the Bnei Akiva choreographers decided to choose songs in honor of World Bnei Akiva's 80th anniversary: They danced to the music of "Yad Achim" (A Brotherly hand'), the movements anthem, recorded by the British Bnei Akiva members. The second song which the Bnei Akiva dancers danced to was a song from the official Bnei Akiva band in Israel.
The boys, members of the movement, also contributed. Baruch Avivi, World Bnei Akiva emissary, explains that "Bnei Akiva Rio de Janeiro has a special cheerleading squad that accompanies the movement's activities and creates a 'happy' atmosphere. The students arrived with big drums, and flags that would not embarrass the 'Beitar Jerusalem' fans.
"The male Bnei Akiva members created great enthusiasm and excitement while the girls danced, and threw letter shaped balloons into the air that made up the words: Bnei Akiva".
The Bnei Akiva dance received the honorable first place, the second place was awarded to 'Hashomer Hatzair' movement, and the 'Chazit Ha'Noar' movement received the third place.
"Our students brought a lot of respect and pride to our movement which is currently celebrating 80 years" said Avivi, who began his mission in Brazil only a few months ago.
"Maybe it's a lucky start, and yet my wife Noa and I are very proud of the young Bnei Akiva members and hope this is a great beginning to a successful year," he concluded.
