Elks Lodge Twenty Three Forty, 1680 Martin Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050, US

HistoryAshkenaz was founded in 1973 by David Nadel, a dedicated human rights activist and folkdancer, in response to the San Francisco Bay Area's strong interest in international folk dance. David himself had a life-changing experience when he became involved with the Westwind International Folk Ensemble. He saw that listening and dancing to the music of other cultures fostered an understanding of different heritages and he was determined to make this experience available to others. David transformed a warehouse on San Pablo Avenue into a dancehall devoted to presenting international and contemporary roots music and dance. Modeling the interior and exterior of the building after an Eastern European wooden synagogue, in honor of his Ashkenazi Jewish ancestors, he envisioned a place where the world's music and dance would dissolve the differences that keep people apart.SpecialtiesAshkenaz Music & Dance Community Center presents concerts, classes, and workshops of participatory dance and music rooted in traditional cultures from around the world. We are committed to providing a great place to dance that supports local and international bands of both established and emerging artists in a respectful, comfortable, safe, and family atmosphere. Through this we build friendship and culturally inclusive community that encourages social awareness, education, and dedication to fairness, honor, and equality.