IBDAA - To Create Something from Nothing

 

IBDAA, "to create something from nothing"  The internationally acclaimed Palestinian youth dance troupe IBDAA’ is coming back for a second US tour this summer. Performing dance pieces that tell the history, struggle and aspirations of the Palestinian refugees, the youth of IBDAA’ seek build bridges of friendship and solidarity while sharing their personal stories.

 

Ibdaa is a Palestinian youth dance troupe from Dheisheh refugee camp, near the city of Bethlehem in the Israeli occupied West Bank. It is a project of Ibdaa Cultural Center, which provides educational and cultural activities for the children and youth in the refugee camp. The dance troupe is made up of 18 young men and women, aged 15 - 18. They perform dance pieces that tell the history, struggle and aspiration of Palestinian refugees by intertwining debke, traditional Palestinian dance, and theatrical choreography.  Since its founding in 1994, Ibdaa has performed in over ten European and Middle Eastern countries, conveying their message for peace, and building a bridge of friendship and solidarity.  One of the dancers was featured in the Academy Award nominated film “ Promises,” and IBDAA’ became the subject of an internationally acclaimed documentary “The Children of Ibdaa: To Create Something from Nothing."

Here are photos of IBDAA performing in Portland, Oregon in July of 2003.