Home ‹ Our Story
Since 2018 · Every YearA National Project for Special Education Schools
What began as a single conference in Raanana, marking Israel's 70th anniversary, grew into a national movement with three active branches and a fourth on the way, and dozens of schools. This is our story — and the dream of continuing to grow the circle.
A Child's Dream That Grew Into a National Movement
As a girl, Ofir attended an elementary school in Haifa that took part in the "Dancing School" project — where, once a year, students from different schools came together and danced as one. After finishing her studies, she dreamed of creating that exact same gathering for special-education students too — only accessible and adapted for them.
In 2018, marking Israel's 70th anniversary, Agam School in Raanana launched the first conference of its kind for special-education schools. Every year since, the program has grown — in its themes, its branches, and the number of participating schools — while keeping the same beating heart: giving every student a place in the circle.
On the right: Ofir Schonwetter-Lazar · On the left: Doria Tuvol
Every Conference and Its Theme
Every conference has its own story — and a yearly theme that connects the dance to something that matters to us as a society.
It All Began
The first conference of its kind, at Agam School in Raanana, led by the school's principal at the time, Efrat Weinberg — a key partner in founding the project — a trailblazing event with more than 400 participants.
Central Branch · RaananaFolk dances marking Shavuot
A second year, a new theme — and the tradition begins to take shape.
Songs on the theme of Jerusalem
Even when we couldn't meet in person, the circle wasn't broken — a virtual conference connected everyone remotely.
A scaled-down conference
A security-challenged year — but the dancing went on, adapted to the mood of the time.
Dances of appreciation
A yearly theme connecting students to the values of service and courage.
Dances from around the world
The circle takes a journey between cultures — dances from across the globe.
Dances about places in the Land of Israel
A sweeping journey through the country's landscapes — and the opening of the Southern Branch in Rishon LeZion (Tzlil School, led by Moran Ahituv).
Southern Branch · Rishon LeZionDances marking hope
This year's theme — and the opening of the Northern Branch in Hadera (Galim School, led by Sharon Shefer). Three active branches across the country.
Folk dances for children and youth
The next chapter — and the opening of the Sharon Branch in Hod HaSharon (Nitzanim School, led by Tzruya Pnat-Nehari).
Sharon Branch · Hod HaSharonThe Big Decade
“Hora Dances — From Then, Forever.” A full decade of dance, with an ambitious goal: around 50 special-education schools in one circle.
People Who Do This Out of Love
The program and the conference are built on love, a sense of mission, and Zionist spirit.
The Engine of Our Growth
None of this would have happened without them. Every principal who opened a branch brought an entire region of students into the circle.
- Efrat WeinbergCentral Branch
- Moran AhituvActive
- Sharon SheferActive
- Tzruya Pnat-NehariOpening June 2027
"Not only will this dance conference become a tradition — we aspire to expand it, to include more and more schools and communities, and turn it into a national dance festival, and in the future even an international one."From the article on the first conference · Machol Magazine, 2019
Want to Be Part of the Next Chapter?
Every school that joins grows the circle. We'd love to add you to the story too.