The Maccabi Games thrive on energy. It is the kind you feel the moment you walk into a room, hear the crowd and sense the pride of Jewish athletes from every corner of the world. That same energy lives in Maccabi Dance, a discipline that brings movement, artistry and excitement to the global Maccabi arena.

Dance plays a big part in the Maccabi week for athletes. This year, we performed during the final basketball halftime show, and it was an incredible moment. Seeing dance in the spotlight and feeling the crowd’s excitement made the last stretch of the Games even more meaningful.

Dance events continued all week, giving athletes whose competitions had ended a chance to watch other performances, stay involved and keep the fun going.

There is also a lot of history behind the program. Houston’s own Maxine Silberstein has worked for decades to keep dance in the Games.

This year, she was honored with a gold medal – celebrating the 30 years of Maccabi Dance that she founded. Her dedication is a huge reason dance remains part of Maccabi today.

I also feel lucky to have been coached by Andrea Winard and Klaire Kulkarni, who brought so much support, encouragement and energy to our team.

Maccabi Dance is also one of the best ways to meet other Jewish teens. I had the best time with my teammates, Sophia Winard, Izzy Marblestone, Libby Marblestone and Raya Astrich. We worked hard, cheered each other on and made memories together, both on and off the dance floor.

We warmed up together, took master classes and spent time with dancers from all over the world. It was social and fun, while still having the competitive spark that made the Games exciting. We got the joy of connecting with people while pushing ourselves to perform at our best.

What makes dance especially meaningful is how it brings everyone together outside of competition. Even when we are not performing, dancers from different cities hang out, trade pins and cheer one another on. Dance creates a space where athletes can relax, laugh and share experiences that go beyond medals or rankings. Those moments often become some of the most memorable parts of the week.

Maccabi Dance brings movement, creativity and culture into a space that celebrates Jewish pride. It does not just fit into the Maccabi Games. It belongs there.

Noa Sonenshein is a Maccabi dancer and Maccabi International Teen Leadership board member. She is a rising ninth-grader in the Creative Writing program at HSPVA. This was her third year competing in Maccabi Dance.