THE AL-ARZ LEBANESE DANCE GROUP
The Al-Arz Lebanese Dance Group is devoted to the creation,
advancement and dissemination of Lebanese dance in Canada and
particularly in the National Capital Region. Brought to life in
1976 as the foundation of the Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group, it is
recognized as North America's leading Lebanese dance ensemble.
The Group enjoys accolades for its repertoire of original dance
creations and dynamic formations that embrace traditional folk
styles but cross the boundaries of inherited movement, revealing
a unique form of dance expression for Canadians. The Group presents approximately 30 performances a year. Dancers can be seen performing at private and corporate functions, public events, fundraisers, special events and festivals in Ottawa and away from home. Some of Al-Arz's high profile performances include:
Montreal's 2001 & 2002 Festival du monde arabe "
Ottawa-Hull's 2001 Games of La Francophonie "
Moncton's 1999 Francophone Summit "
Brazil's 1999 IIIrd International Folklore Festival "
Lebanon's 1995 Summer Art Festival "
Beirut's 1995 Reopening Ceremony of the Canadian Embassy "
Mexico's 1989 Mexican-Lebanese Congress "
Alberta's 1987 Canadian Heritage Festival "
Edmonton's 1978 Commonwealth Games
In addition to these high profile events, Al-Arz enjoys affiliations with CIOFF (Conseil des organisations de festivals folkloriques) and Folklore Canada International.
The Group's choreographic works can also be seen in annual operettas and multidisciplinary productions that are traditionally presented in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.
DANCE WORKSHOP
Follow Our Steps is a workshop series that offers training to schools, dance organizations and individuals who demonstrate an interest in advancing their knowledge and perfecting their techniques in Lebanese dance. Al-Arz's choreographies have given Lebanese dance a strong artistic voice on the arts scene in Canada.
The purpose of the various workshops is to ensure greater understanding of traditional themes and give place to original works that marry Lebanese folklore and contemporary movement in a new form of physical and emotional telling. The workshops include a look into the origins of Lebanese dance and music, the evolution of movement, traditional folk wear, the basics in dance and the creation of a Lebanese dance vocabulary that culminate into complete choreographies.
Follow Our Steps workshops have been presented in Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Baie Comeau and Halifax. If you'd like to host or participate in a Lebanese dance workshop, contact us for more details.