Bassam Abou Diab
“Dabke Fusion” - Contemporary Dance inspired by Dabke
August 5 - 9
9.30 – 11.30 H
Studio D
All Levels
In English
“Dabke Fusion” is a contemporary dance workshop inspired by the folk dance of the same name from the Levant region on the Eastern Mediterranean. Bassam Abou Diab focuses specifically on the Lebanese Dabke from the Beqaa Valley. Together with the participants, he explores the concepts of weight and lightness in movement, emphasizing strength, softness, angles, and curves through elements such as jumping, bouncing and shaking.
Bassam began his artistic journey as an actor and Dabke dancer before earning a master’s degree in acting and theater. Transitioning to contemporary dance, he danced with Omar Rajeh's company Maqamat and co-produced his acclaimed performance “Under the Flesh” in 2016. He created notable works such as “Of What I Remember,” “Eternal,” “Pina my Love,” “Alterations,” and co-created “Imprints” and “Incontro.” Exploring Arabic religious rituals in physical theater, he inspired pieces like “The Siege/L’Assedio” and “Home”. In 2021, he established the Beirut Physical Lab that is dedicated to fostering emerging talents in dance through training, performances, and international partnerships.