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Welcome to Al-Arz !
Lebanese Art Group

Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group is the only arts organization dedicated to the creation, promotion and dissemination of Lebanese performing arts in Canada.

For over 40 years, Al-Arz (which means cedar) has been keeping alive Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage through Lebanese music, song, dance and theatre. Its original dance creations and elaborate theatre productions have been experienced by thousands of spectators across Canada and abroad.

From its weekly dance classes, to annual stage productions and uniquely tailored zaffés, Al-Arz stands at the intersection between Lebanese arts and culture, connecting Lebanese communities in Canada and the traditions that define Lebanon. It is both here and there, straddling two worlds rooted in openness and diversity. Al-Arz is the cultural and artistic bridge between Lebanon and Canada.

Adults Dabké Classes

Learn the basics of dabké or take your dabké talent to the next level at the Canadian School of Lebanese Dance.  
We’ll teach you how to show off your skills at the next Lebanese party!
Classes are offered Monday evenings starting September 23rd at 7 pm.
 

  • Fee: 150 $ / 6 weeks

  • Email us at info@al-arz for more information.

Students Dabké Classes

Dabké your way to the stage!
Join us for another exciting dance season at the Canadian School of Lebanese Dance.  Students of all ages are welcome – young adults too!
Classes start the week of September 9th and end with an annual dance celebration in May. 

  • Registration deadline: August 31st 

  • Tuition: Regular classes – $400 

  • Email us at info@al-arz for more information.

Summer Camp 2024

Want to experience 8 days of an unforgettable fun?  Join the Canadian School of Lebanese Dance’s summer camp. You’ll learn original choreographies, play traditional Lebanese instruments and participate in theatre sketches, all while enjoying daily arts and crafts, and outdoor sports and recreational activities. And the best part ?  Making new and lasting friendships.

Parents are invited to attend a show prepared by camp participants on the last day. Don’t miss this special presentation.

  • Registration deadline: June 1st, 2024

  • $350 per participant

  • For information: info@al-arz.ca

The Colours of Lebanese Dance

Celebrating 30 years of professional instruction and training in Ottawa, the Canadian School of Lebanese Dance presents “The Colours of Lebanese Dance” – a showcase of the beauty and wealth of Lebanese dance and music. Step into the world of original dance creations brought to life by young students and dancers of the Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group.  

For ticket reservation, please email info@al-arz.ca or call (613) 742-6952. 

Until May 15th: $30 Adults | $20 Youth (12 to 15 years) | Free – children under 11 years.

After May 15th:  $35 Adults | $25 Youth (12 to 15 years) | Free – children under 11 years.

Seller of Rings Operetta Poster 2024 Al Arz Group

Beyaa El Khawatem

Presented by the Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group, The Seller of Rings is the story of a traditional Lebanese village where the ordinary life of ordinary people is turned upside down when the Mayor tells the villagers about a recent altercation with a villain called Rajeh.  The fictitious incident invented by the Mayor spreads like truth, instilling fear and causing chaos among villagers.  During the engagement event, a stranger called Rajeh appears with a bag filled with jewellery, ending the story with the gift of love and a lifetime of happiness in marriage. 

Don’t miss this lyrical Rahbani Brothers stage production!

Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at 8 pm.

Tickets: Shenkman Arts Centre box office

Open House 2024

An invitation to all those who are curious about what goes on in a dance studio and how choreographies come to life.  Come enjoy the pleasure of Lebanese music and rhythms or try a step or two! 

Everyone is welcome!

Hardini Centre

Saturday, February 24, starting at 9:30 am.

Monday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 28 starting at 6:00 pm.

DABKE – CLASSES FOR STUDENTS

Weekly classes begin September 13, 2023
Open to students 6 years and older

Register Online, by phone or email

613-742-6952 or info@al-arz.ca

The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance is committed to providing a stress-free learning environment for all participants through adapted teaching that respects current physical distancing measures and health precautions.

DABKE – CLASSES FOR ADULTS

FALL: SEPTEMBER 25 TO NOVEMBER 6, 2023
WINTER: JANUARY 29 TO MARCH 4, 2024

Register Online, by phone or email

613-742-6952 or info@al-arz.ca

The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance is committed to providing a stress-free learning environment for all participants through adapted teaching that respects current physical distancing measures and health precautions.

YEAR END PRODUCTION

For the Love of Lebanese Dance is the School’s year-end production. It is a time to celebrate dance, enjoy its beauty and applaud the students who bring to life Lebanese dance in all its colourful variations.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023

Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue

Tickets:
In advance: $25
At door: $30
Children 12 years and under – Free

DANCE CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 13TH 2023

Weekly classes begin September 13, 2023
Open to students 6 years and older

Register Online, by phone or email

613-742-6952 or info@al-arz.ca

The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance is committed to providing a stress-free learning environment for all participants through adapted teaching that respects current physical distancing measures and health precautions.

Announcing our Year End Recital

SOLD OUT – For The LOVE of FOLK DANCE

Sunday, May 15th, 2022 / 5:00pm
Academic Hall – Department of Theatre – University of Ottawa – 133 Séraphin  Marion Private

For tickets information call or email | 613-742-6952 or info@al-arz.ca

PERFORMED BY STUDENTS OF THE CANADIAN SCHOOL OF LEBANESE DANCE AND NORAÏK ARMENIAN DANCE ENSEMBLE

Presenting….

Middle East Reflections – Untold Stories

Thursday, March 31st, 2022 / 8:30pm / $35
National Arts Centre – 4th Stage/Ottawa

For information call or email | 613-742-6952 or info@al-arz.ca

Performance by – BackStrings | Original Compositions, Classical Middle-Eastern Music from Distant Lands

TICKET PURCHASES THROUGH TICKETMASTER

DANCE

Al-Arz’s is best known for its creations in Lebanese dance. It is mostly through dance that Al-Arz has been successful in reaching a wide range of audiences in Canada and beyond its borders. The Yazbek repertoire includes unique vocabulary and unparalleled style that blends traditional form and new creations.

As Canada’s only reference in Lebanese dance, Al-Arz sets itself apart by the fluidity and energy of movement strongly rooted in the rhythms of the “table”. The choreographies are inspired by the vibrant colours of the dabké (social dance) that are boldly expressed in a contemporary setting yet set against a finely woven backdrop of folkloric scenery.

Stomping of feet, hip swings, pirouettes and zakhas are characteristic of Al-Arz’s originality of movement that attracts and transports to people to another place. One performance is enough to convince and captivate audiences.

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THEATRE

Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group is invested in the remounting the theatre creations of the Lebanon’s most inspiring playwrights, musicians and lyricists, the Rahbani Brothers. Since 1976, operettas, theatre productions and multidisciplinary stage works have been at the heart of the Al-Arz’s mandate to preserve the ties to the Lebanese language and cultural references.

Nurturing more than 4 generations of theatre artists, Al-Arz is proud to share with Canadians the stories that were originally told by Lebanon’s greatest artists, including the world-renown Fairouz, Nasry Shams El-Deen, Philemon Wehbe, Antoine Kerbej, Houda Haddad, William Hesswany, Elie Choueiry, Joseph Nassif, Elie Choueiri, Marwan Mahfouz to name just a few. The company has produced over 11 variety shows and more than 20 musicals and operettas that have been produced and presented in Ottawa and numerous Canadian cities.

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Zaffé

The Zaffé is a live procession of music and dance, and part of a typically Middle-Eastern wedding celebration. The energy that transpires from the zaffé, adds an authentic touch to a bride a groom’s special day. We offer this service in a variety of tailor-made packages that include a saber performer, percussionists, dancers and other joyful elements.

The Canadian zaffé is Al-Arz’s specialty and distinguishes itself thanks to the experienced artists that are able to adapt and deliver various types of zaffés to accommodate a diversity of cultures, religious and multi-faith ceremonies and weddings. We have celebrated with Algerian, Armenian, Egyptian, Indian, Iranian, Jordanian, Moroccan, Pakistani, Palestinian, Syrian, Turkish, Yamani and many more couples in cities in Canada and the United States.

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School of Dance

The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance (CSLD) was founded in Ottawa in 1993 with a mandate to provide professional dance instruction in Lebanese dance (dabké) and baladi (belly-dance) to students and adults of all ages. The School teaches many styles of Lebanese dance in a learning environment that promotes artistic growth, personal development and creativity.

Classes offered to children and youth are based on a calendar year of 30 weeks that begins in September and ends in April. In May, a year-end performance is organized to celebrate the talent and achievement of young dancers. For adults, classes are condensed into two sessions per year ; one in the fall and the other in winter.

 

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Our Partners