Mayim Mayim Circle Dance

A traditional Israeli circle dance that celebrates finding water. It is danced holding hands, with grapevine steps, runs into the center with raised arms, and hops with claps. Students work on coordinating crossing steps, remembering a sequence and dancing as a group.

How to play

1. Explain that "mayim" means water and the dance celebrates finding it; form a circle holding hands, facing in (2 min).
2. Grapevine right without music: left crosses in front, right to the side, left crosses behind, right to the side; four times (4 min).
3. Part two: four steps in raising arms and calling "mayim," then four steps back; twice (3 min).
4. Part three: four running steps right, then facing in, hop while touching the toe in front and to the side, then clap overhead (4 min).
5. Link the three parts with slow music, then normal speed, calling each part right before it comes (5 min).
6. Dance the whole routine twice in one big circle (2 min).

Rules

• Hold hands without pulling: if someone rushes ahead, the circle breaks.
• Everyone moves in the same direction at the same time, following the teacher's cue.
• On the hops, touch the toe lightly, with no kicking.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair follows the circle by moving sideways and replaces hops with claps and arm movements.
• Visual impairment: place the student between two partners who call out the next step and guide with their hands.
• Skill level: students who struggle with the grapevine can use simple side steps without crossing.

Learning goals

• Perform the grapevine step in sync with the group.
• Remember and link the three parts of a traditional dance.
• Learn about and appreciate the cultural roots of a dance from another country.

Equipment for a class of 25

• music: 1

Teacher tip

The grapevine is the hardest part: practice it first without holding hands, in lines facing you. Find a slow instrumental version for learning and save the sung version for the end.

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