Step 1: Assume the position
At our wedding, The Hora will happen immediately following the second slow-dance of the evening, a little after dinner ends. That’s when 2 preselected guests will grab chairs and place them in the center of the dance floor, signaling, “It’s Hava Nagila time, y’all.”
Hopefully, everybody will already be on/near the dance floor anyway, so all that needs to happen is for everyone to join in!
Step 2: Create the Hora line
Traditionally, there’s a whole bunch of circles, all going in different directions. BUT, there is a more streamlined (ergo, more fun) option that involves creating a spiraling line!
I know many of my mishpucha might be clutching their pearls right now, but hear me out: In the spiraling line configuration, a single line leader begins the trail for a long line of dancers from her right hand and circles the center moving leftward, naturally forming as many layers of dancers as necessary. New dancers can insert themselves by joining the end of the line, so that they don’t slow anyone else down while joining.
Why do we go to the left? Because Hebrew is read from right-to-left!
Here’s a fun diagram for the visual learners: HORA SPIRALING LINE
I know this seems like a lot, but I promise it will help make this the best Hora to ever be Hora’ed.
Step 3: Enjoy the fancy footwork
Explaining footwork is hard. Just watch THIS VIDEO to see how it’s done. It’s not hard to do, just hard to write about!
There are a couple moments during the Hora where the fancy footwork stops and the circles get funky. In “Hava Nagila,” whenever you hear the lyrics “U-ru, u-ru ahim / uru ahim be-lev sameach,” everyone together takes one full step back while bringing your hands downward, and then one full step forward while bringing your hands upward. You do that a couple times, then get back to circling. We promise it’s easier than it sounds.
Step 4: Lift up the newlyweds
If you are a male-identifying, 21-to-51-aged person, this is your time to shine. About halfway through Hava Nagila, the bride and groom will sit down in the chairs. Then, as many strongmen as possible will lift them up into the air for about 30 seconds — long enough for the photographer to get the shot, but short enough to not slip a disc.
While the newlyweds are being hoisted, the remaining Hora-ers should continue spiraling in line.
We cannot stress this enough: IF YOU ARE OLDER THAN 51, PLEASE DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN LIFTING THE NEWLYWEDS. Our wedding insurance only covers so much.
Step 5: Clap, then continue dancing
You did it. Now grab your drink and cut a rug.
