About Al-Arz?
The Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group is Canada’s only Lebanese performing arts organization dedicated to the creation, advancement and dissemination of Lebanese dance, music and theatre. Brought to life in 1976 by Tony Yazbek, Al-Arz (the Cedar) has built its reputation for original creations in all three disciplines. It has spearheaded numerous cultural and artistic programs, initiatives and special events that support its mandate and foster greater appreciation for Lebanese arts in Canada.
With dance being the cornerstone of the Al-Arz Lebanese Art Group’s existence, it continues to enjoy accolades for its repertoire of original dance creations and dynamic presentations that embrace folk styles in a unique blend of traditional and modern movement and physical expression.
Al-Arz has participate in international folklore festivals and events abroad :
- IIIrd Minas Gerais International Festival – Brazil
- Zacatecas International Folklore Festival – Mexico
- Lebanese Congress – Mexico
- Re-opening ceremony of the Canadian Embassy – Lebanon
- Summer Arts Tour – Lebanon
In Canada, it has participated in numerous festivals and events such as:
- Festival des traditions du monde de Sherbrooke – Sherbrooke
- Festival Orientalys – Montréal
- Le Festival Juste pour rire – Montréal
- Le Festival d’été de Dorval – Dorval
- Le Festival du monde arabe – Montréal
- Les Grands Feux du Casino – Gatineau
- Jeux de la Francophonie – Ottawa/Hull
- International Folklore Summit – Lachine
- Francophone Summit – Moncton
- Canadian Heritage Festival – Edmonton
- Commonwealth Games – Edmonton
