Dabke is the traditional Palestinian dance form—performed at weddings and other celebrations—in which El-Funoun’s innovative dance is rooted. Based in Ramallah, Palestine, the dancers are touring the US to discuss their work and their resolve to remain steadfast in the face of the Israeli military occupation that aims to silence, suppress, and erase Palestinian society and culture. The series of events will highlight the role of dabke as a form of cultural preservation and resistance. Participants will learn traditional dances such as dalouneh, tayara, and zamer and create choreographic sequences using these steps.
Youth Workshop
Wednesday, October 16, 5:00–6:00pm
A family-friendly workshop designed for ages 7–14. An introduction to basic steps of traditional Palestinian dances.
Community Dabke Workshop
Wednesday, October 16, 6:30–8:30pm
This workshop is open to folks of all experience levels and identities who want to embody solidarity with Palestine through learning cultural dance.
Experienced Dancer Workshop
Thursday, October 17, 10:00am–12:00pm
This workshop is designed for dancers, choreographers, and anyone who is interested in deepening their understanding of traditional Palestinian dabke, including dalouneh and tayara. Dancers will also learn improvisation of the laweeh, the leader of the dabke circle.
SWANA + BIPOC Community Dabke Workshop
Thursday, October 17, 5:00–6:30pm
We invite our Arab and SWANA community as well as other BIPOC friends to join in a collaborative community dabke workshop and preparation for a performance at 7:00pm.
All workshops take place at Red Eye Theater. Class registration comes with a promo code for a free ticket to the Community Dabke Performance and El-Funoun Dialogue.
El-Funoun Dance Troupe is welcomed to the Twin Cities hosted by Mizna, the Grief & Rage Circle for Palestine and Body Watani Dance Project.