Information: Bentzi Tiram, teacher of Israeli dance.

Bentzi (Bentsy) Tiram, of Yemenite heritage, created over 80 dances during his career as choreographer.

He was an internationally known folk dance teacher and choreographer. He held many positions in the dance field in Israel. He was director of folk dance at Technion University; chairman of seminars in the education program for folk dance teachers at Irgun Hamadrichim, teacher at Ulpanim in the Certification program for Israeli folk dance teachers, teacher of weekly classes at Rothchild Center, and leader of special programs at Kibbutsim and community events.

Bentzi came to the United States in 1978 to teach at Blue Star Camp and returned to teach at other camps in 1979, 1982, 1984, and 1987. He led seminars in Canada, France, Holland, London, Holland, and the United States.

A weekend at Kibbutz Bet Hashita was dedicated to teaching the dances of Bentzi Tiram. Moshe Oron organized this weekend with support from Moshe Telem (who produced a new CD) and Yehuda Emanuel (who prepared a video).

Dances Bentzi taught include Aden, Ashlayot, Al Sadeinu (Shir Hasade), Ani Li, Ashbiacha (Kiria Yifefia), Ba'Kerem, Ba'ah Menucha (Shir Ha-emek), Bat Arad, Be'Shalom Tevrchu, Beit Avi (Bat Teiman), Bimdinat Hagamadim, Bizchutam, Bo Elay (Hinach Yafa Raayati), Bo Shir Ivri, Debka Ud, Dugit, Eden (Aden Aden), Ein Gedi, El Haayin, El Hanachal, El Midbari (El Midbary), Elef Shir, Emek Haprachim, Emek Sheli, Erev Shach, Esh Vazemer, Etz Ha'Shikma, Hadarim, Ha'etz Haatik, Hagivah Porochat, Hahar Hayarok, Haleluya I, Hanischa Veharuach, Haperach B'gani (Haperach Begani), Harey Gilad (Tzlil Chalil), Hineh Hastav Avar, Hora Hadasha, Hora He'achzut, Ir Va'em (Jerusalem), Kesem Hamizrach, Keshenavo, Kol Hadror (Kumi Tzei), Lach Be'ahava, Lashir Al Hakineret, Li Velach, Liyerushalayim, Lo Nutkah Hashalshelet, Machmad L'vavi, Mechol Giborim, Mechol Hamitpachat, Mul Har Sinai, Na'ama, Ne'omi (Ani Holem Al Neomi), Neshikot Ahava, Nigunim, Oneg Shabbat, Pizmon Chozer, Reshet Hashvilim, Shalom Aleychem, Shedemati, Sheleg Al Iri, Shir Lakerem, Shoshan Reichani, Shualim Ktanim, Shuva Elay, Sipur Shel Ahava, Tza'ad Teimani, Uvneh Yershulayim, Ya Jamaa, Yam U'shkiah, Yirmiyahu Letz, and Zot Yerushalayim.