Dabkeh

My cousin's getting married in a few months and she's palestinian. Meaning, a palestinian wedding. Meaning, dabkeh. For those unfamiliar with it, a dabkeh is a folklore palestinian dance where people stand in one line and do the same moves with their legs, feet and upper body. In my opinion, there is nothing seductive or sultry about it, rather it's something like a Greek Zorba dance or a Texan line dance.

That is why both men and women do it at weddings, scratch that, all men and women MUST do the dabkeh especially if they're part of the bride or groom's family -- yikesss -- which means I better start training with my uncle or something. The other day I saw my thirteen year old cousin do the dabkeh and I tell you this -- I've got some serious learning to do. Whether the guests come from the south, north, east or west of Lebanon, once the dabkeh music is on, like some silent understanding, they all get up on the dance floor, line up and start the feet/leg movement like they were all one body. It's incredible to watch.

Just for sampling, here's a short video of a palestinian dabkeh I found on youtube. It's not the best one out there (don't mind the high-heels in there) but it'll do for now :-)

Peace,
Q




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