IT’S FINALLY HERE! Join us for the long-awaited release of A Choreographic Journey of Survival and Triumph—May 3, 2-4:00PM Reserve your spot today!
IT’S FINALLY HERE! Join us for the long-awaited release of A Choreographic Journey of Survival and Triumph—May 3, 2-4:00PM Reserve your spot today!
IT’S FINALLY HERE! Join us for the long-awaited release of A Choreographic Journey of Survival and Triumph —Shimon Braun’s powerful new memoir!
Critically acclaimed choreographer Shimon Braun, born in 1938 in Poland, survived the Nazi occupation, escaping through five countries and learning five languages by age ten. A pioneer of jazz dance, Shimon’s company WAVES captivated global audiences, with The New York Times calling it "A Phenomenon." His memoir is an inspiring testament to the power of movement to transcend boundaries and unite people, embodying his journey of resilience and transformation.
We invite you to meet author’s, Shimon and Meghan Braun in person at our Champagne Book Signing Celebration! Come to 2030 Sansom St , the former home of the Jazz Dance Center, for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and inspiration. Hear Shimon’s incredible stories firsthand, get your signed copy of the memoir, and join us in celebrating his remarkable journey from survival to triumph on the stage.
For all who love dance, world history, art history, have ever watched a WAVES performance, or danced at the Jazz Dance Center—this is for you!
Braun's WAVES Jazz Dance Company profoundly affected the City of Philadelphia, starting in the '80s, and spawned a generation of artists who continue to recognize Shimon for their professional success. His choreography made heads turn, put audience members in the aisles, and had guests like Marcel Marceau scrambling backstage to meet Shimon.
See you there—this is an event you won’t want to miss!
“Shimon Braun is an artist, a dancer, a survivor and a true citizen of the universe. His story is history, world, history, and life philosophy all rolled into one. Over the course of four decades, I have been privileged to hear the story of his extraordinary life. I am thrilled. His story will now be shared with everyone who reads his captivating book.”
-Monica Rosenthal, "Amy" from Everybody Loves Raymond
We did it! We surpassed our goal of $10,000 — and we did it together! A huge, heartfelt Thank You to all of our incredible friends, family, and supporters who have helped bring A Choreographic Journey of Survival and Triumph into existence. We could never have reached this remarkable achievement without YOU!
A Choreographic Journey of Survival and Triumph is a story of survival. A story of love breathed in the form of jazz dance told through vignettes about Shimon's life and artistic practice.
Critically acclaimed Choreographer Shimon Braun has lived a rich artistic life which has spanned some of the most monumental events of the past century, from the Nazi occupation of Braun’s native Poland, to the avant-garde dance scene of 1960s New York City.
Born at the time and place the second world war began (Lodge, Poland; 1938), his childhood consisted of escaping through five different Countries, attending five different schools, and learning five languages to evade the Nazis. Having lived a life of strife and triumph, his vast lived experience molded an artistic Oeuvre which shaped the emergence of Jazz Dance in Israel and the United States.
He studied with Martha Graham, Luigi, Matt Maddox, Jack Cole, and many other great choreographers of his generation.
In the 1970s and '80s, Shimon Braun's dance company, Waves, became a cultural powerhouse, captivating electrifying performances. Waves consistently sold out theaters, with standing-room-only crowds in cities like Philadelphia, London, New York, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. The company's dynamic energy often inspired audiences to leap out of their seats and dance in the aisles—an extreme manifestation of Shimon's drive to reach and connect with his audience on a deeply personal level.
Waves became an integral part of Philadelphia's cultural landscape, earning the distinction of being named the "Best Cultural Addition to the City." In recognition of its groundbreaking influence, The New York Times also hailed Waves as "A Phenomenon."
In his memoir, Shimon reflects on the heart of his work, “I was always looking for unity among my dancers and tried to harmonize diversity. Unite people, unite styles, find some shared experience, and use art as a means to a unification of contrasts… and do all that with love.” His philosophy of uniting diverse cultures, styles, and experiences through movement mirrors his journey of resilience and personal transformation.
At 86, Shimon’s passion and dedication to his art are as vibrant as ever. He is eager to share his extraordinary journey with the world, and this memoir is the culmination of his life's work.
From the archives of Jazz Plus, the company who had performed concerts all across Israel and Europe.
A Message from Monica Rosenthal
“I am grateful for this opportunity to introduce my dear friend the extraordinary artist, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and holocaust survivor, Shimon Braun. Experience this beautiful soul and the incredible art, choreography, and history of Shimon Braun who is in conversation with Temple Israel of Hollywood. I cannot wait to experience this event!”
-Monica Rosenthal
Interview
Braun’s life is a testament to the power of art for the individual and the community. Today, Braun continues to paint, just as he “painted” renowned performance venues from around the world with his powerful dance companies for decades.
Renowned dancer, choreographer, painter, and teacher Shimon Braun will be joining us from his home in Philadelphia to share stories of serving as an officer in the Israeli army, dancing with the Batsheva Dance Company under the Artistic Direction of Martha Graham, and leading his own dance companies Jazz Plus and Waves which was hailed as a “Phenomenon” by The New York Times, before returning to painting and creating a prolific body of work on canvas.
A glance at the opening number of Shimon’s dance Company, Jazz Plus.
Waves Dance Company had sold-out performances at home in Philadelphia, Santa Fe, all over the United States and Europe.