ARABESQUA

This upcoming endeavor, titled "Arabesqua," draws its inspiration from the concept of the arabesque—a form of artistic embellishment characterized by intricate patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage and tendrils, deeply rooted in the Islamic world.

In the realm of ballet, the arabesque is a graceful body position where a dancer balances on one leg while extending the other behind the body, turned outwards. "Arabesqua" represents an exploration of the impact of Western culture on those of us from non-Western backgrounds.

It involves the fusion of the traditional Palestinian dance form, dabke, with classical music—an unconventional union that disrupts and challenges established hierarchies and power dynamics.

Through "Arabesqua" I aim to cast a spotlight on Arab women dancers who are unapologetically celebrating their bodies, expressing their emotions, vocalizing their beliefs, and symbolizing the profound connection to our roots and tribal folk dance on this land. In doing so, I try to both challenge and mock the prevailing norms of the ethereal, slender ballet dance style, while simultaneously acknowledging it as a valuable Western technique that we were introduced to as young, aspiring dancers.

This synthesis of dance languages seeks its own independence, forging a new identity and a sacred body language for all to embrace and celebrate.