Hawiyya Dance Company was founded in 2017 as an all-women’s collective, who explore identity, culture and resistance through dance.

The members of Hawiyya are from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, and have experience in different forms and styles of dance training. The dancers unite in their commitment to anti-racism and anti-imperialism in all they do. The aims of the company is to empower people especially women, to build community, to raise awareness of human rights and to demonstrate solidarity to the causes they support through dance and culture.Hawiyya draws upon Dabke (Levantine Traditional Folk Dance) with Contemporary Dance to create narrative works that tell stories of identity and the lived resistance, whilst celebrating the rich Palestinian cultural heritage.

The symbol of Dabke

Dabke has been a constant in Levantine Arab culture and identity. It is born from the deep rooted connection with our land and is an indication of pride and identity. Dabke is powerful; danced to celebrate the joys of life, danced to continue traditions and connect generations, danced to tell our history and sentiment. For all of these reasons Dabke has been adopted as a mighty symbol of resistance against; colonisation, imperialism, oppression and supremacy- a message that transcends race, colour and creed.

In this time we are experiencing a massive revival in Dabke, particularly in our younger generations. A hopeful and potent assurance that we stand in solidarity against oppressive regimes in the Middle East and for all indigenous peoples world wide.

Facebook: Hawiyya

Instagram: hawiyyadabke

Email: Hawiyya@mail.com

(Text provided by Hawiyya)