mohanad
smama
Mohanad Smama is a Palestinian dancer and choreographer from Gaza, and one of the pioneers of contemporary dance in his city. He founded the Hayy Contemporary Arts Group in Gaza. With extensive experience in contemporary dance and Palestinian folklore, he works on developing training methodologies related to movement and has established his own dance school, which he uses to enrich the cultural and artistic scene in Gaza. He also founded the first contemporary dance studio in Gaza and has produced many artistic performances that address social issues, as well as ongoing projects that integrate various art forms into his performances and works.
Mohanad is also a filmmaker, having produced dance films and participated in conferences about the role of art in Gaza and how it can be used as a method of expression and therapy for all age groups, especially in the context of the war in Gaza. Having survived the genocide alone, Mohanad is now focused on continuing his work in dance and sharing his voice and art with the world through his body, words, and performances that reflect Palestinian culture and the impact of war.
He is currently in a one-year artistic residency dedicated to research and creation. This residency is supported by Les Rencontres à l’échelle / Bancs Publics, the Shonen company, the Ballet National de Marseille, and Friche la Belle de Mai. He is also a beneficiary of the PAUSE program at the Collège de France, which supports artists and researchers at risk due to the security situation in their home countries.
His work has been supported by institutions such as the French Institute in Jerusalem, the Contemporary Dance Festival in Ramallah, the Arab American National Museum, the A. M. Qattan Foundation, the Contemporary Dance Company of the Cairo Opera House, the Goethe-Institut in Egypt, Ettijahat - Independent Culture, and Action for Hope.
traditional & contemporary dabke
| 29.06 / | 16h30-18h30 |
Palestinian dabke is a traditional dance distinguished by its vitality and strength, inspired by the rhythmic stomping of feet on the ground, historically used to flatten house floors or during agricultural labor. It symbolizes solidarity and connection among people through formations such as the circle, straight line, and semi-circle. Traditionally practiced during social gatherings, dabke embodies the spirit of unity, collective expression, and cultural resistance. Over generations, it has evolved into a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity and heritage.
This workshop offers an immersive experience that brings together traditional Palestinian dabke and contemporary dance, transforming it into a new form of expression. It goes beyond simply learning steps, delving into rhythm, formations, spatial dynamics, and developing a strong sense of collective energy, harmonious movement, and connection between participants.