Set Dancing and Dabke Workshop

Dabke is not just a dance, but a deep-rooted Palestinian folk art that embodies joy, belonging, and has become a symbol of resilience and resistance for the Palestinian people. This workshop will be hosted by Mustafa Alsaidi, originally from Gaza, who founded Belfast Dabke to carry on the tradition of his people and family to his new home in Belfast.

Louise O Connor is a dancer and fiddle player from County Clare who runs the Lasta Céilí project in Dublin. The word ‘Lasta’ means ‘alight’ or ‘aglow’ and sums up Louise's passion for keeping the flame of Irish music and dance traditions alive, while building connections between people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities.

This workshop will include a set dancing lesson, a dabke lesson, and then culminate in bringing the two traditions together. It is open to all levels and will be delivered in a lively and communal learning atmosphere.

This workshop is part of our Lúnasa Gathering - a day long celebration and gathering to mark the start of harvest season ~ Fáilte roimh chách!

11am - 1pm: Kings River Walk with Maura Brennan

1.30 - 2.30pm: Trad Picnic with The Len Collective

3.30 - 5pm: Set dancing and Dabke dancing workshop with Louise O Connor & Belfast Dabke

5.30-6.30pm: Community Céilí with Louise O Connor & The Len Collective

7 - 9pm - Traditional Music Session @ The Motte and Bailey

Bígí Linn!

SUPPORTED BY THE HERITAGE COUNCIL AND KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL