Healing Through Dabke – Identity Through Dance

On Tuesday, October 28, Arab American Family Services (AAFS) is thrilled to host the premier Palestinian dance troupe El-Funoun, for a workshop promoting traditional dabke dance, as a form of cultural preservation and healing. Performed at weddings and other celebrations, dabke is vital to Palestinian identity. The interactive workshop will teach participants dance steps and sequences that comprise traditional Palestinian dabke such as dalouneh and tayara.

El-Funoun dancers will discuss the history of their Troupe, and the challenges their members face in representing the culture amidst the occupation. As part of AAFS mental health work, this workshop will highlight the importance of dance, and how artistic movement helps Palestinians survive the trauma they experience, while preserving culture, identity and wellness.

We hope you can join us on October 28, 2025, from 12 PM to 2 PM for the the afternoon or from 5 PM to 7 PM for the evening workshop at AAFS Office.