New Photos Below!

Debke

Debke is a Middle Eastern folk dance done in a line at happy gatherings like weddings. Often professional Debke troupes perform at festivals, but Debke, an important part of village life, is really a dance for everyone! People stand in a line and hold hands or put their hands on their hips with their elbows out. Debke is done by men only, women only, or mixed. The steps involve stomping rhythmically, fancy footwork and hopping. The leader, the person on the farthest right, may twirl a small white scarf as they dance in a semi-circle. Debke is done in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan.

IBDAA, the internationally acclaimed Palestinian dance troupe visited Portland, Oregon in July. Take a look at photos from their performance!

Shahrazad Middle Eastern Delights sponsors a children's performing Debke Troupe in Beaverton, Oregon. This is a new troupe, consisting of children in elementary school. They've chosen the name "A'Safeer", which means "the Ambassadors" in Arabic.

See A'Safeer's photos below. Doesn't it look like they have fun?

Basket Dance by A'Safeer at the 2003 Family Cultural Fair

A'Safeer does the Basket Dance Backstage at the Culture Fair

A'Safeer at the 2003 Cultural Fair!

A'Safeer at the Middle Eastern Dance and Culture Presentation in Hillsboro, Oregon in November 2003

A'Safeer taking a bow with Banat Al Rooh at Portland Community College

A'Safeer and Banat Al Rooh taking a bow at Portland Community College on May 27, 2003