Learn Israeli folk dancing at the 92nd Street Y every Wednesday this summer

We think summer is the perfect time to pick up a new skill—especially one that lets you stay cool indoors while the sun does its thing outside. So why not make that skill dance?

Every Wednesday from July 16 through August 27, would-be dancers can join a fun, basics of Israeli folk dance series at the 92nd Street Y (1395 Lexington Avenue). Led by Ruth Goodman, the director of the Israeli Dance Institute, the class is a progressive series, with the first half-hour geared towards beginners.

Registration for the seven-week program costs $135 and includes admission to the open session that follows every class—so you’ll have time to put your newly learned skills into actual practice right after each session.

Born in the early 20th century out of a desire to create a shared national identity, Israeli folk dance blends Eastern European, Yemenite and Middle Eastern influences into joyful circle dances and grounded, rhythmic steps like the hora and tza’ad temani, moves you probably already know intimately.

Head in for the air conditioning, but stay for the mayim steps—right?