From Ramallah to Beirut
I just got back from El Funoun Palestinian Popular Dance Troupe - Dance freedom tour - From Ramallah to Beirut sponsored by the Arab American Action Network (AAAN). The AAAN was established in 1995 as “a non-profit, grassroots, community-based organization working to improve the social, economic, and political conditions of Arab immigrants and Arab Americans in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The AAAN does this through adult education, social services, mediation and crisis intervention, youth programs, cultural competency trainings, and working in coalitions with other like communities. All AAAN programs include community organizing, activism, and leadership development components.” I just wish that the AAAN and other established Arab Organizations in the Chicago area worked closer together…The results would be triple what they are now! Anyway, the event was amazing.
The program was beautiful and very inspiring. The group brought with them a breeze of back home, showing us the “Arab-Palestinian folklore and contemporary culture through unique combinations of traditional and stylized dance and music. The Troupe’s repertoire comprises folkloric dance forms, called “dabke”, in addition to more elaborate choreographed forms that embody El-Funoun’s own unique vision of Palestinian dance.”
Some of this evening’s performance included Salamat - a panoramic view of life and love under occupation, The Meadow Smiled - Folk tune, Tulbah - Marriage proposition, Flying - a Key folk dance reinterpreted, Oh the way he walks (Abu ghthaila)- folk tune, layya w layya - Challenging norms, Mare of Ramallah - Dancing dignity. Music by Rahabanis and was dedicated to Qana and Beit Hanoun), Freedom - music by Rahabani Brothers and was dedicated to Jerusalem and Bint Jbeil - (of South Lebanon). I didn’t take any pictures, but there are plenty here.
Gihad Ali, a volunteer with the AAAN and the author of the Outlandish’s song “Look into my eyes,” and my nephew and nieces’ auntie (my nieces and nephews have talented aunties from both sides) performed a poem called “I am not Palestinian.” Gihad is very talented when it comes to many things, especially slam poetry and massages. After she finished performing her poem, I sent her a text message asking her to meet me after the event so she can hand over the poem. She didn’t meet me, and she didn’t respond to my message. It’s alright, I understand that she’s busy with the dance troupe, and so I’m giving her till tomorrow to email me her poem…otherwise, I’ll just have to keep annoying her.
Very nice night, a large turn out, had the chance to run into people I haven’t seen in months and the chance to get yet another taste of Ramallah (which I miss so much despite its many downs) and Beirut, the city I long to visit!
