The SHALHEVET INTL. FOLK ENSEMBLE was founded in 1968 by Paul and Carole Kantor to preserve and promote the folklore, dance, and music of all the lands in which the Jewish people have lived. Its name is derived from the ancient Hebrew word for "the flame." The group of about 15 dancers performs original coreography, relating history through dance based on folk traditions of such countries as Armenia, Hungary, Israel, Russia, Spain, and the U.S. Daniel Ducoff become artistic director in 1991 following the departure of the Kantors from the area. The ensemble, which was been in residence for several years at the JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, performs more than 30 times a year, there and in such venues as shools, festivals, and community groups. It has also appeared at most area colleges, toured as far as Texas and Toronto, and performed with the CLEVELAND OPERA. The only professional international folk ensemble in Ohio, Shalhevet has been recognized by the State of Ohio and the City of Cleveland for its contribution to multicultural understanding through the arts. In 1995 Daniel Ducoff remained the artistic director.
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