Wednesdays, 6:30 pm

Teachers: Linda Sarsour

Debka  Dance Classes at Alwan

In collaboration with Network of Arab American professionals, Alwan for the Arts will offer personal, one-on-one instruction from seasoned debka instructors who practically dance better than they walk. Whether you are a beginner or want to further hone your skills, the classes are open to all!  Within the 6-week program, you'll not only be able to comfortably dance in any debka circle, but you'll also learn the rich history of the debka, which for many is more than a mere form of dance; it is a form of expression that many use in times of pain, happiness and resistance.

Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. February 13 – March 19  Instructor: Linda Sarsour
Saturday afternoons, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., February 23 – March 29  Instructor: Eman Hamad

Instructors:

Eman Hamad:

Born and raised in Ramallah, Eman Hamed joined a number of debka troupes when the first Intifada started. In 1989, she was a lead singer and debka performer in the Sharaf Al Tibi troupe in Palestine, which toured around Europe and Palestine and was named the national Palestinian Debka troupe in 1995 In the late 1990s, Eman joined the Watan Debka troupe in NY and participated in the Bir-zeit International annual festival in Palestine. She also continued working with the Sharaf troupe when visiting Ramalllah until the second Intifada started.Eman has been teaching debka to children in various areas of New Jersey for a number of years as well as taught college students at Montclair State University in NJ. Eman is currently a physician living in NJ, who states that “…many debka troupes were formed with the goal of not only preserving culture but also using Palestinian folklore as a mean to rally, inspire and express pride, courage, and resistance to the occupation. The stomping of our feet on the stage and the words we sang created an echo that our occupiers feared more than our stones.”

Linda Sarsour:

Linda Sarsour is a Palestinian American born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Debka has been prevalent in Linda’s family for three generations, with Linda learning how to debka since the tender age of seven (7). Linda comes from a family of folkloric artists and musicians on her mother’s side, who continue to exhibit their musical and dancing talents today. Linda’s uncle and mentor was a choreographer of numerous debka troupes in the West Bank, Palestine in the 70's and 80's and continued his work in the United States in the 90's. In 2002, Linda choreographed an all girls dance troupe, the Wafa Folklore Group, in New York City. Linda's fancy footwork has become legendary among the local Arab-American community, seen exclusively at countless community events and banquets, in NYC and beyond.

Cancellation Policy
A refund of $50.00 will be issued to any student who drops the course after the first class. A refund of $25.00 will be issued to any student who drops the course after the second class. No refunds will be issued after the third class. Please note that a $25.00 penalty will be charged any student who drops the course prior to the first day of class.

The Network of Arab-American Professionals of New York
www.naaponline.org/ny  naap-ny@naaponline.org | 212.592.4052