Moshe Itzhak-Halevy (Moshiko), born in 1932, is one of Israel's most talented and versatile folk dance choreographers."Dancing Against The Flow" is Moshiko's personal and professional story, written by his own hand; the life story of a man whose early circumstances and many pitfalls not only threatened the promise of success, but challenged him to give up his dreams. His talent and optimism ultimately led to the fulfillment of his dreams and his success both in Israel and around the world. In detail, and in an honest and forthright manner, he describes this path, his personal history, his encounters, and the people he met who influenced him.
This book is a unique autobiography that provides an insider's perspective on the world of Israeli folk dance both in Israel and in the US, from its early years until today through the lens of Moshiko's remarkable life and career. Moshiko has created more than 260 Israeli folk dances since 1959. He is an award-winning dance choreographer. He has been a professional dancer with the Inbal Dance Company and a character dancer with The Ballet Company of Mia Arbatova, and he has created his own ensemble, HaPa'amonim Company.
In addition, he has written the music, played the instruments, and sung his own songs to many of his Israeli folk dance creations.Through the years he has not only taught technique and choreography to his students, but also learned with them and from them. He has evolved, mellowed, and shared his talent and wisdom with dancers from many cultures.To this day Israeli folk dances fill Moshiko's life with dance, choreography, writing and composing.
Moshiko is one of the most respected and popular creators in the field of Israeli folk dance, a field that continues to evolve on a daily basis, and he continues to bestow his love and talent upon the general public with tremendous energy.