Dabkeh: Dancing To The Beat of The Palestinian Dream

With all the problems that have beset the Palestinian people in modern times, we in the West often forget that a society exists that is blessed with a wonderful culture. However,  more discovery can be achieved, arts and entertainment groups can teach the world about a nation of which very little is known about, beyond the Middle East.

One such group is Al Zaytouna, a UK-based Dabkeh troupe. Dabkeh is a traditional form of Palestinian dance, and Al Zaytouna has brought it to our shores in a variety of performances and workshops. The only group of its kind here, Al Zaytouna’s aim is to teach people about the historical journey of the Palestinian people, through the medium of dance.

Dabkeh dances are performed at traditional weddings and similar celebrations. This form of dance originated out of necessity: Palestinian men would climb on top of their houses and stamp down, in time together, on their rooftops to compact the straw and dirt – and make the roof watertight. Over time, musicians began to play for them as they performed their duties, and the men would operate in rhythmic harmony.

Since its occupation by the British, and the subsequent displacement of its people in 1948, Palestine has adopted Dabkeh as its national dance. It can be seen performed with passion and vigour in the refugee camps of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

I have been lucky enough to see Al Zaytouna perform at the Green Wood Theatre in May, last year. The production was entitled ‘Ila Haifa’ which, translated, means ‘Return to Haifa’.

The story recounts the Palestinian nation’s dream, of being able to return to their homeland. Dabkeh is used to illustrate the passion and emotion that this dream evokes. The beginning of the production introduces the couple of Said and Safiyye, who live a happy and pleasurable life with their daughter in Haifa. The opening dances reflect this, emphasising the happiness felt within the city before the violence came.

When the violence does materialise, Said and Saffiyye are forced to flee Haifa, but lose their daughter in the melee. The family is torn apart, like so many families have been during the conflict. The couple are forced into exile in London, without their daughter with them. When they are finally able to return to Haifa, they find their daughter matured and living as an Israeli soldier. She rejects her parents and her nationality.

At this stage the choreography has lost its verve and happiness, to be replaced with despair and melancholy. Despite this devastating revelation, the two performers accept the reality of their situation and celebrate their return to their motherland by dancing the Dabkeh.

This story has been played out on many occasions in the real world. The Al Zaytouna group perfectly encapsulate the emotional devastation that has swept through the Palestinian state during the ongoing conflict with Israel. Although not an obvious form to adopt, dance displays a myriad of feelings – demonstrating just how quickly circumstances and emotions can change. If you are keen to better understand the Palestinian cause through the beauty of dance, I would recommend watching an Al Zaytouna performance.

Words by William Mathieson

Enjoy the magical dance for yourself on our dance section.