Dabkeh: dance of memories

Shaden Ellakis

WATCH a video about students who participate in the traditional dance.

Arab students at Kent State University play Dabkeh, their traditional dance, at the parking lot of the Student Center.

Those students believe that Dabkeh is a dance for passion more than a dance of professionalism.

Abboud Jabbar, a palestinian student, said that he is addicted to Dabkeh.

He explained that he plays Dabkeh daily to enjoy his time and remember his childhood in his country Palestine.

Marwa Ghemrway, a lebanese student, thinks that Dabkeh is a dance of passion more than a dance of professionalism.

She said “When I stump on the floor, I feel the connection to earth and I remember Lebanon, my country.”

Some American students learn Dabkeh from their Arab colleague.

Shane Golden, an American student, believes that “Arab people are friendly and welcoming with open arms.”

He thinks that Dabkeh is special with the “unity of the dance, the holding of hands, and the steps.”

Arab students at Kent State University are trying to preserve the three themes of Dabkeh: Love, sociality and fun.