Images of joyous weddings and celebrations across the Arab world, with people dancing in circles or lines, are familiar to many. This is Dabke – a dance distinguished by its virtuosic, stamping steps and recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2023. As part of the »Lebanon« festival at the Elbphilharmonie, participants aged 16 and above can now learn their first Dabke steps for themselves.
Dabke has been danced for centuries throughout Bilad al-Sham, the historical region of Greater Syria encompassing present-day Palestine, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. It is thought to have originated from the practice of compacting clay on rooftops. People would stamp in rhythm while holding on to one another’s shoulders, providing support whenever the clay gave way beneath them. Today, Dabke encompasses a wide variety of lively steps danced in lines or circles. A lead dancer typically sets the pace and movements – and men and women alike embrace the dance with equal enthusiasm.
Elbphilharmonie PLUS is a programme that opens up different ways of looking at the music performed at the Elbphilharmonie – either to supplement a concert, or as an experience in its own right. Interdisciplinary encounters and exhibitions form part of the Elbphilharmonie PLUS programme, as do concert talks and films shown in museums, libraries, cinemas and community centres.
