Ma Navu

An Israeli dance choreographed by Raya Spivak. It was made for Martha Graham's Composition class, and was the only "folk" dance accepted as an assignment. The music was written by Raya's husband Josef and the lyrics are based on an ancient plea for peace around the world. The lyrics say, "How beautiful on the mountains are the steps of the messenger; bringing tidings of deliverance, bringing tidings of peace." Israeli dance, in a circle, no partners.

1-2      point R foot in

3-4      point R to the R side

5        step back on R

6        step back on L

7-8                 slowly step forward on R

9-10            slowly rock back on L

11-12       slowly rock forward on R

13       rock back on L

14       rock forward on R, on tip-toes slightly

15       step L to R, feet together, heels down

16       (pause)

17-32       repeat 1-16, mirror image

33       step R to R, keep L foot on the floor

34       lean weight back to L foot

35       cross R over L

36       pivot on R to face LOD

37       step L in LOD

38       together with R

39-40       slowly step L in LOD

41-64       repeat 33-40; total of 4 times