CHOREOGRAPHERS
YARON BEN-SIMHON is back with us again joining the Camp SheLAnu 2023 staff! One of the most brilliant, charismatic, and charming choreographers from Israel, Yaron has been invited to travel around the world for decades sharing his beautiful dances at countless workshops and camps. His popular dances include Machshavot Belibi, Bachur Chadash, Kama Chaser, Ani Lo Yachol, Ha’auto Sheli Hayofi Shelach, Kanire, and Hi Rak Rotza Lirkod. Yaron always looks forward to seeing all of his L.A. friends at Camp SheLAnu! We can’t wait to celebrate his 50th birthday together at Camp Shelanu 2023!
We are also very happy to announce that ILAI SZPIEZAK will be joining our 2023 Camp SheLAnu staff again! Ilai is one of the most fun, endlessly skilled, and professional people we’ve had the pleasure of working with. He is an award-winning creative producer, artistic director, instructor, performer, and choreographer. As a trained ballet dancer and one of the most enthusiastic markidim of the new generation, Ilai’s creativity, precise teaching & passion for performance will keep you on the dance floor all night long! If you only know him from his online “Harkalive” sessions, you’re in for an incredible treat when you meet him in person! His hits include: Ein Meushar Mimeni, Laila BeSinai, Fata Morgana (with Orly), Bereshit, Even Al Even (with Michael Barzilai), Katuv Milemala (with Gadi), Yom Hashishi, Ya Watani, and more.
We are so excited to welcome back SHMULIK GOV-ARI for his second appearance at Camp SheLAnu! A legendary choreographer and icon in the Israeli dance community, Shmulik is an artist & story teller. His choreographies are both classic and captivating, being some of the most requested dances in every session around the world! He is one of the most kind, caring & knowledgeable educators in the field of Israeli dance. Shmulik performed with the Karmon Israeli Dance Troupe and directs international dance workshops around the world. Just a few of Shmulik’s hits include: Naale Naale, Eilat, Lama Ma, Erev Shabbat, Kol Nedarai, Lakum VeLaamod, Rokdim Yechefim, Silchi Li Yalda, Shabechi Yerushalayim, Boker, Bakapayim, Eizo Rakdanit, Lechu Neranena, and Nof Bagalil!
CAMP SHELANU DIRECTORS
With over 20 years of experience teaching kids and adults, ORLY STAR aims to entertain with her endless warmth and talent! She leads the always thrilling “Dance with Orly” session on Wednesday nights in Los Angeles. Her dances include Hafinali, Suddenly, Tutim, Toro, Danza, Kvish Hachof, Tizkor, Hinach Yafa, At Bali Tov, Comme Ci Comme Ca, Imperia, and more. Orly exudes an electrifying energy that is both contagious and unparalleled!
After spending more than a decade working as an award-winning science journalist, author, and wildlife ecotourism guide, JASON GOLDMAN now works in Strategic Initiatives for Camp Ramah in California. Jason brings more than two decades of dance camp management experience to Camp Shelanu, and is especially known for organizing the amazing late-night snacks!
Beginners’ Program / DJ / Late Night
AARON ALPERT has been Israeli dancing since before he could walk! He started teaching in 2007 at the student-led UC Berkeley DeCal class. Today, he runs a high-energy weekly session called Nirkoda Le’Chayim in Palo Alto, CA, and he directs an Israeli dance camp and wine tasting event called Nirkoda Ba’Kerem. With Aaron joining the Camp SheLAnu team, we’ll all get to relive a little of that Zoom-Cali magic!