Dabke

In addition to learning about politics, religion, the language – we also learn about culture… probably my favorite part- staying with the family, learning about the foods, traditions and yes, dance.
 
I don't dance. At all. I will normally find anyway I can to get out of a dancing, but I was willing to give it a try.

The traditional Palestinian dance is dabke. We have lessons once a week from two of the best dancers in the area. I was ready to quit after the first lesson because it was way too complicated for me, lots of steps and jumps and twirls, but I was talked into going to the second lesson, and I'm actually starting to get it!
 
My housemate and I gave a little impromptu presentation for our host family this week after our second lesson, and they loved it! The grandmother even got up and danced a little. It seemed to be a normalizing event, we internationals were learning about and immersing our selves in Palestinian culture.
 
The last day of the program they have a dance performance where all our host families are invited to come, there’s food and it’s just a big party. I can't wait to see if the host families will join us on stage--I hope so.

Submitted by: HL