Testimonials

Dear Meliss,
I really hope you realize that none of this could have been even remotely possible
without you! You are one of the most AMAZING dancers I know and I am
not just saying that. You had a dream- a performance group that you would
start spreading Israeli culture throughout Atlanta. True, there were some ups
and downs but you really pulled through. You started out with 8 girls and ended
up with 3 and that still never stopped you. You really worked hard to make sure
everything was always prepared and to top everything off, you were pregnant for
most of the practices!! I am really so lucky to have such an AMAZING sister-in-
law! Seriously, there is NO ONE else that could have gone through what you did!
You also introduced something to me that pretty much just kept me sane through this
year! Dancing was kind of like an escape and watching you dance was such a pleasure
because you really dance with grace which urges other people to dance. Words really
can't sum up how amazing you are and I really look forward to dancing with you next year!

Meliss,
I never thought I would dance in a performing group, because the first time
I ever danced was in 7th grade academy at Epstein. But thanks to you and
Nitzanim, I have been given the confidence and experiences that I never would
have had otherwise. You tell me when I'm doing something wrong, but in a
way that only makes me want to practice and get better. Rehearsals are
something relaxing and to look forward to. It's a comfortable, happy
atmosphere and I am so grateful for it. Thank you for everything and I can't
wait for next year (when we have 12 members!)

Meliss,
This year has been great! I was quite unsure whether I wanted to do
this group but now I love Israeli dancing- really you've instilled a passion
for dancing in me. You're patient with us and a really great teacher. Also
you're relatable- which is awesome and makes the dancing group such
fun just like hanging out with friends. I really hope and am sure this little
Nitzanim group will turn into a huge dancing troop. You are so sweet and
caring and passionate- it's great. This group is really great and I love how
we can all just be ourselves and have so much fun.

We recently hired Meliss Bachar to help us celebrate my 60th birthday
in a special way--Meliss would teach all the guests (125) how to Israeli
folk dance and then lead the dancing for the whole evening.

People who had never danced in their lives--let alone Israeli folk danced--
were thrilled and easily learned because of Meliss' excellent teaching
techniques and her own inspired dancing.

We knew it would be a perfect evening because Meliss communicates her
unique love of dancing and Israel through her dance, her teaching and her
beautiful soul. You can't help but want to dance when you see her example
and she makes it so easy and so much fun. Even our 3 year old granddaughter
joined in with her dad and those who didn't dance all night (all 4 hours) were
entertained just watching the group. My son's comment: "She looks like a
movie star and wow what a dancer!"

For days after the party people called us to thank us for such a unique way
of celebrating and to praise Meliss' teaching presence.

Meliss would be an asset to any party--she is a great motivator and teacher--
and we cannot recommend her enough.

Dear Meliss,
Thank you for working with our girls in preparing them for Sababa. Their
dancing was very well done and helped enrich the evening. You have done
remarkable work with our students and have truly impacted the culture of
The Epstein School. Your dedication and talent is deeply appreciated.

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Meliss is a fantastic dance teacher who is like no other. She is nice and caring
and taught me dances I will never forget. I was part of her class at Epstein and
came to her classes at Zaban. I had two chances a week to be taught by her
and learn fantastic dances. She had theme nights that were great and my favorite
was the night that she had henna and food that went along with the Yemenite
theme along with dances that we learned. Meliss thank you so much for allowing
me to dance with you guys at Zaban and be my dance teacher at Epstein.
I sure miss those days.

There is something that you bring into the dance hall, or for that matter
anywhere you teach, and it is more than your knowledge, your clear and
explicit imparting of a dance to your students. It is more than your
gracefulness and the fun that exudes from your every pore when you are
in your “zone”. It is an uncharacterisable youthful enthusiasm that infects
everyone around you. That is why Dance night is the highlight of my week,
and why all the girls at my daughters Bat Mitzvah that you taught had such fun.

I danced in Israel all my life. When I came here almost 3 years ago, I found a dance session that reminded me the sessions in Israel and that made it easier for me. I didn't feel like a stranger. I think you are a great dancer and a great teacher; always up-to-date and you also have a part in creating the nice and warm atmosphere we have in our session.

Thanks,
Dikla P.
Feb. 2007

Meliss!!! I can't believe I haven't sent you a formal thank you for bringing the fabulous "Nitzanim" dance troupe to the Breman Home. Please send me a snail mail address so I can thank you properly. Meantime, here are some pix!! Loads of love and PLEASE come back. I mean it .. I'd LOVE it if you would rehearse here on a regular basis!!! Best, Audrey G. April 2006

Dear Meliss,

The girls had a great year Israeli dancing with you! Thank you for your hard work and encouragement. Have a wonderful summer!

The Families of Candace M., Tami K., Jessie L., Dena F., Cara L., and Michelle L. (Nitzanim 2005-2006)

You are a great teacher and I have you to thank for pulling me back into dancing after all of these years. You have a great group here in Atlanta, so keep up the good work. I hope to see you again in Israel.