What is Camp Bitnua? Camp Bitnua is a Israeli Folk Dance camp—the first of its kind in Israel—but similar to established dance camps that take place outside of Israel. The camp focuses on Israeli Folk Dance and includes IFD sessions, performances, workshops introducing various dance styles, and different events that will be produced by numerous dance leaders from all over Israel.
How many years has Camp Bitnua existed? This is the second year of the camp. If you would like to see pictures from last year’s events, click here.
Who is leading Camp Bitnua? The dance leaders: Gadi Bitton, Yaron Carmel, Yaron Ben Simchon, Eran Bitton, Miri Akuni, Yankele Ziv, additional dance leaders from Israel and abroad, and the Isrotel Hotel Chain.
What is included in the price? The camp fee includes admission to all events, hotel accommodations at participating hotels, three meals a day, and complimentary snacks and beverages during the sessions, day and night.
Where do the camp activities occur? The majority of the events will be held on “Camp Land”--the lawn area next to the Isrotel Sport Hotel, while other events will be held in the Sport Hotel.
When does camp begin? You have a choice. Camp begins on Wednesday at 4:00 PM for those who can make it by Wednesday (for an addition fee--see the fee structure for more details) or on Thursday at 4:00 PM (for the regular price).
When does camp end? Camp ends on Saturday evening at the end of Shabbat (sundown) with Havdalah.
What are the activity hours of camp: Activities begin at 10:00 AM and conclude after the nightly marathon in the early hours of the morning….
How will I know what activities are going on during the camp? Every participant will receive a schedule of all camp activities and the map of “Camp Land” upon arrival.
What is the structure of the camp? There are many activities throughout the days and the nights. During the daytime programming hours there will be activities that will take place simultaneously, so you will be able to choose the activities in which you wish to participate. All levels of dancers will be accommodated throughout the days and the nights.
How do I get to camp? You must arrange your transportation separately, but there will be group transportation at an additional fee.
By bus: for details please call “Metayileh Chavaya” at 972-2-678-2111. They are open for reservations 24 hours a day. You must pay in advance when making your reservation with a credit card.
By air: For flights from Tel Aviv you can contact Arkia / Israir or El-Al through their web sites: www.arkia.com / www.israir.co.il / www.elal.co.il
I am an intermediate dancer. Will I be comfortable attending this camp? Yes. In the mornings the intermediate dancers will participate in the regular dance sessions. The first two hours of the evening sessions there will be separate sessions for the intermediates occurring in an alternative location. And after these two hours there will be a separate location that will be open for you as well.
What is the Beginner’s Workshop? The beginner’s workshop is designed for those who are enthusiastic about learning Israeli Folk Dance. You will be expertly guided from the very first step and by the end of the camp will have been exposed to approximately 100 dances.
Is the Beginner’s Workshop appropriate for those who have never danced a step in their lives? Absolutely. The Beginner’s Workshop was founded for people who have never danced before, or for people who have taken a long break from dancing and have forgotten everything, and don’t know the new repertoire.
How can I find out more about the Beginner’s Workshop? Please feel free to call Miki Akuni, the Director of the Beginner’s Camp, at 972-50-898-9939.
What is the Wheelchair Dancing Workshop? The Wheelchair Dancing workshop is a special event dedicated to those who dance in wheelchairs and for their partners. The workshop will teach special dances that have been choreographed specifically for those who are in wheelchairs. The director of this camp is Yankele Ziv. For more information, click here.
How can I find out more about the Wheelchair workshop? Please contact Yankele Ziv at 972-50-643-3403.
Is it possible to attend certain events at the camp for separate fees rather than signing up for the entire camp? No. Only those who have signed up for the whole camp may attend the events. Guests of the Isrotel Hotels who are not signed up for the camp may not attend the events.
I’m interested in bringing a guest for a certain event during the camp. Is it possible? Regrettably, in order to provide the most enjoyable experience for those participants who are signed up for the camp, we are unable to accommodate guests of participants.
How will those who are participating in the camp be identified as participants of the camp? Every participant will receive a wristband that will allow him/her to gain admission into the camp events, activities, meals and sessions.
Which hotels are participating in the camp? There are three participating hotels that belong to the Isrotel chain: the Isrotel Sport, the Isrotel Laguna and the Isrotel Royal Garden. Participants will be divided among the three hotels.
Where are we dancing during the camp? The dance sessions will be held in a few locations on special floors acquired specifically for the camp.
Where do we eat during the camp? The guests of the Laguna Hotel and Sport Hotels are eating in their own hotels, while the Royal Garden guests will eat breakfast and dinner at their hotel, and lunch at the Sport Hotel.
Will there be drinks available? Complimentary hot and cold drinks will be available throughout the sessions.
What performances will we see at the camp? A variety of performances, and very famous artists…but we want to surprise you! Don’t worry—you’ll love all of them.
What kind of workshops will there be? There will be many types of workshops, including: Gaga, Tiguf, Belly Dancing, Hip Hop, Ballroom Dancing, and Salsa. For more information click on each workshop.
How do I sign up for the workshops? Since there are a limited number of spaces in each workshop, we highly recommend that you reserve your place in advance for all workshops. To reserve, call Smadar at 972-50-545-0045 and make sure to have your hotel reservation number available.
When are the workshops? There will be two specialty workshops on Friday, and two specialty workshops on Saturday. We will let you know which workshops are on which days when we get closer to the camp.
Who do I call to reserve a spot at the camp? Please call Isrotel directly to make your reservation. If calling from within Israel the number is 1-800-800-808. The number for calling from abroad is 972-8-638-7798/ 972-8-638-7799.
How do I pay for the camp? Payments may be made on credit card to Isrotel. All payments are due before the beginning of the camp.
What if I must cancel my registration? All cancellations must be made through Isrotel and are subject to their cancellation policies.
I’m having issues with my registration. Who do I call? Please call Chaya at 972-54-255-8013.
Important! If you are a session leader from outside of Israel or if you have interest in arranging for a group from outside of Israel to come to the camp from your session (or your city, or your country….) Ronny Ashkenazy would like to speak to you! Please call him as soon as possible so that he can maximize your group potential and provide the best experience possible for your dancers. There is also a possibility to arrange a tour before or after the camp, and information about this opportunity will be available soon. You can reach Ronny at 972-52-321-2001 or by
E-mail: ronny22@bezeqint.net. | 
