Palestinian Dabke – Youth Workshop with Feras Shaheen

Next date: Sunday, 08 March 2026 | 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM

Image credit: Jeriah Lau

Dabke is a folk dance from Bilad al-Sham (The Levant) commonly seen in celebrations but also acts as a symbol of resistance. Feras will be going through the foundations of the Palestinian Dabke, the music and the history while sharing the interconnection of other dance styles that have emerged as a form of expression in order to break free from social, political, economical and artistic constraints. From a Palestinian and street dancer’s lens, Feras invites you to participate and move while understanding the historical context and patterns of the dance style being taught.

Bring your comfy shoes! No dance experience required. For ages 15-25

Free, registrations required

Feras Shaheen

Feras Shaheen is a Palestinian artist, curator and community organiser currently based in Nipaluna. Feras is also the copresident of TPAN (Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network). He is curious in letting his conceptual interests lead him across a variety of mediums. Working with choreography, installation work, film, performance, design, and street dance to communicate his ideas, the core of Feras’ practice is to connect and engage audiences. He seeks to bring activism into his art practice, with outcomes that are accessible and community centred. Holding a Bachelor of Design from Western Sydney University (2014), Feras often subverts traditional relationships between mediums to challenge audiences’ perspectives, specifically to disrupt colonial discourses and reduce western reliance on neutrality and apathy. Born to Palestinian parents (Gaza/Al Lid), and moving to Western Sydney at age 11, Feras engages with his practice as a way to reflect and examine how he views the world, addressing local and global issues.

The Biennale of Sydney is assisted by the NSW Government through Create NSW and gratefully acknowledges the assistance provided through the NSW Government Exhibitions Indemnification Scheme.

Campbelltown Arts Centre is assisted by the NSW Government through Create NSW and receives support from the Neilson Foundation and the Packer Family Foundation.