El-Founon, the premier Palestinian dance troupe, led a workshop last month at AAFS teaching traditional dabke dance. Forty community members attended the workshop, and according to participants, it was a resounding success. The hands-on, interactive format of the event was particularly well-received. Elderly members of the audience appreciated the opportunity to watch the presenters teach dabke, to discuss the rich history of Palestinian dance, and to witness the tradition being passed down. Younger participants eagerly learned the steps, and showed off their new skills, expressing a deep connection to their cultural roots. Shout-out to AAFS staff members Jennah Salman and Saja Safi who organized this fantastic event!
Dabke is performed at weddings and other celebrations, and is vital to Palestinian identity as a form of cultural preservation and healing. As a part of AAFS’s mental health work, the workshop highlighted the importance of how artistic movement helps Palestinians survive the trauma they experience, while preserving culture, identity and wellness. Participants were receptive to learning about the connection between dance and mental health, and how it can have a positive impact on overall well-being.
