Dabkeh Dance Workshop

Join us for an open level 2-hour dabkeh workshop led by local group, Canadabkeh

We will learn the fundamentals of dabkeh footwork and a short choreographic phrase.

This workshop is co-organized by a group of local dance artists in solidarity with Palestinian liberation and interested in learning more about Palestinian cultural resistance through dabke.

Canadabkeh was founded by Haytham and Zaid Alhamaydeh, two Palestinian brothers from Nablus. When they arrived in Vancouver, they found that dabke culture was not active here and so they decided “to look for passionate individuals who would share and pursue the vision of bringing joy to the community through zaffe chants and loud dabke footwork.” The group is “passionate about spreading the Arabic culture and connecting people.”

Dabke is an ancient but still popular folk dance rooted in many of the cultures of the Levant region of the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Palestine. UNESCO describes dabke as “a means of expressing cultural identity, celebrating family occasions and increasing social ties.” For Palestinians in particular, it embodies a spirit of community, resilience, and cultural pride.

All in solidarity with Palestinian liberation are welcome!

Gratitude to community partners: Vines Arts Society for providing the beautiful space, and Holy Crow Arts Societyand Hong Kong Exile Arts Association for sponsoring $0 low-barrier access tickets.

Workshop accessibility information:

This is a masked event and extra masks will be available on site should you need one. We ask that if you are sick, to please take care and refrain from coming to the workshop.

Dabke is a standing, footwork-focussed dance that includes stomping, jumping, close proximity and hand holding.

Venue accessibility information provided by Vines Den:

Entrance

• Please note that entering the space using a wheelchair will require assistance. We're not able to add a permanent ramp to the building, so we've purchased a portable metal ramp. Using it requires someone to place it and put it away after use.
• The building has a fenced entrance 49 inches wide, up 2 steps. The portable metal ramp (29 inches wide, 1:3.7/15° slope) can be placed over the steps.
• The landing is 44 inches long from the end of the ramp to the Vines Den door.
• The Vines Den door opens outwards from the right side and has a clearance of 32 inches.
• There are no steps once inside the Vines Den.

Bathroom

The bathroom is not yet completely accessible. Please read below to see if this bathroom works for you:

• The door opens outwards and has a clearance of 33 inches.
• The bathroom can be accessed on a wheelchair.
• The seat is 15 inches above the ground.
• There are currently no holding bars in the bathroom.
• The sink is outside the bathroom. It is 35 inches tall.

Kitchen

• The kitchen is accessed through the main space. The door has a clearance of 35 inches.
• Countertop is 36 inches above the floor.

Studio and Event Space

• The studio is accessed through the kitchen. The door has a 32-inch clearance.
• The space is large and clear of furniture to allow for different setups.

Further accessibility information including transit information can be found here on the Vines website:https://www.vinesartsociety.com/vines-den

For any other questions please email [email protected]

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*SAVE THE DATE* FOR ANOTHER IMPORTANT CANADABKEH EVENT COMING UP:

Die-In Protest for Palestine

Date: September 29, 2024

Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: In front of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Downtown Vancouver

Join us for a peaceful die-in protest to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and raise awareness about the ongoing situation. We will lie down for 20-25 minutes to symbolize the lives lost and the struggles faced by Palestinians.

A large Palestinian flag will be displayed, along with the powerful message: “Eyes on Gaza”

All ages are welcome to participate in this act of support. Your presence will make a difference.

Let’s stand together for justice and peace. Please bring signs if you can, and share this event with your friends and family.

Host or Publisher Canadabkeh