Traditional Dabkeh Dance: A watch and practice training

A patriotic Palestinian song “We swear to Allah, we will never leave” echoes through a large displacement camp in the heart of Deir Al-Balah, drawing attention to an intriguing scene: young men gathering near their tents in the large yard by the camp entrance, watching a group of children, holding hands and learning the Palestinian Dabkeh.

A different scene among displacement tents! A novelty exercise for these children but an age-old symbol of the vibrant Palestinian cultural heritage. Over the years, dabkeh has become an emblem of steadfastness for Palestinians’ connection to their history and land. Currently, it symbolizes resilience amid the waves of displacement and aggression imposed by war.

Amidst the hardships of displacement, Mohammed Al-Huwayhi, a 22-year-old displaced from Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, to a tent in Um Zahir area in Deir Al-Balah, proactively decided to teach children the traditional dabkeh dance.

A Tent-Born Idea:

The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) embraced Mohammed’s initiative, by including it in the “Extracurricular Activities Space“, which is devoted to facilitating youth-led activities and initiatives across multiple camps in the middle area of the Gaza Strip.

Such a wonderful experience; it granted me and the children a short break from the miserable circumstances we have been enduring. Being displaced in a camp, I noticed the ongoing gloom on children’s faces and could tell their longing for recreational activities. So, I communicated the idea to SDF staff member, highlighting my experience in dabkeh of delivering trainings at cultural centers in Beit Hanoun.

Mohammed Al-Huwayhi

Recognizing the potential of his idea, SDF’s team proposed that he deliver this training to displaced children. As a member of the SDF’s youth network, he is already equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead community initiatives. “SDF’s team provided all the logistics I needed, including speakers to broadcast songs and chants, a microphone, and internet access. They devoted a proper space for the training sessions in ‘Together For Palestine 3‘ camp, established by the SDF, and invited families to send their children.” Says Mohammed

Around 20 children participated in the initiative, which started with a few recreational activities. The group was then shortlisted to seven highly dedicated children who participated in focused intensive training to advance their performance. Participants engaged in multiple four-hour sessions, tailored to their skills and progress.

Dancing on “Ya Zarif Al-Toul”

The training took place over 12 days, with three sessions per week. Initially, all interested children in the camp had the opportunity to participate and learn “simple movements” in a recreational form. Then, the training began with fundamental moves like “Wahda wa Nos” (one and a half steps) before progressing to advanced movements like “Askari” (Soldier) and “Gazal Khafeef wa Thaqeel” (light and heavy gazelle).

Many children participated in the first three days of orientation, but as the sessions progressed, Mohammed focused on those most committed and enthusiastic about learning this unique skill. By the end, he had formed a group of seven children who mastered the steps, performing popular Palestinian songs that narrate the nation’s struggles.

A Recreational Atmosphere

My goal was to create a safe recreational space for children, away from the grim reality they endure. I also wanted to reconnect them with our Palestinian heritage in an enjoyable way, while fostering cooperation and teamwork values; a piece of missed childhood.

Sharing his reflection, Mohammed says

For Mohammed, dabkeh is one of the most important cultural activities that preserve Palestinian folklore. “It reinforces our heritage through popular songs, which the occupation often tries to steal and claim as its own,” he adds.

Amid the disruption of education and the destruction of schools, Mohammed believes that initiatives like this are vital for children to learn, play, and connect with their heritage. “This is an opportunity for them to learn about our identity and culture,” he says.

The training sessions left lasting memories for both the children and Mohammed. The children eagerly awaited the next sessions, and their families felt happy about such engagement. The children’s enthusiasm positively impacted the camp community, with families gathering to watch and applaud. Under the rhythms of Palestinian music, everyone’s eyes and ears were captivated by the joyful spirit of dabkeh.

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