What is dabke dance, how did this traditional Palestinian dance came into existence and what role does it play in the Palestinian society?  I talk to Sharaf DarZaid, a dancer, choreographer and arts manager.

He is also the choreographer of the new Palestinian Jerusalema dance challenge video that was published  a week ago on Monday 2 November.  Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbuJ61WBdpo

The Jerusalema dance challenge went viral on social media with the hit song 'Jerusalema' by Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode from South Africa.  Many people from all over the world shared dance videos on social media. 

130 Palestinian dabke dancers from Jerusalem, Gaza, Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jenin cooperated with the Popular Art Center to produce this dance video that highlights their love for Jerusalem, the city that most of them are denied access to due to the Israeli military checkpoints and the separation barriers.

Sharaf is known for developing the “Afrodabke” style, a fusion of traditional African dance moves (Cameroonian) with Palestinian folkloric dance (Dabke)

Follow Sharaf on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/sharaf.zaid

https://www.facebook.com/PopularArtCentre

https://www.popularartcentre.org/

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