Omar Barzak, Al-Asala Dabke Group: 'Honestly, it does not matter how well you dance, what we prioritize is character, morals, and values. That is number one.'
Al-Asala Dabke was created in London, Ontario in 2007, to preserve the cultural heritage of the large Arab population in the city through traditional dance. Brought together by their shared roots, today the dance troupe features a new generation of young men who have catapulted their dance style to North America and beyond, including Europe and the Middle East. “Dabke” is a high-energy traditional dance form with Middle Eastern roots that go back thousands of years. Dabke, which means “stamping the feet” is a Levantine folk dance widely performed at weddings and other happy occasions. For the Asala Dabke group in London, this traditional dance has become a way of preserving their cultural roots. “Asala's art is a blend of tradition and innovation, a reflection of our dynamic journey through different generations,” says Omar. Today the group has a strong presence on multiple social media platforms boasting over 1.3 million followers on TikTok, 280k followers on Instagram, and 45k subscribers on YouTube.
The current troupe has been active since 2019 and has some stand-out accomplishments such as performances for international celebrities like Drake and the Toronto Raptors and appearances on Dragon’s Den. “Dabke is a bridge that connects our Arab origins with our North American identities, we like to mesh both cultures together – create a new culture that we love expressing”, they say. The members refer to themselves as a brotherhood, a solidarity of common interest. The group encourages leadership and discipline, where they build character through support and shared values.
Through their dance performances, they have bridged gaps between different communities and created a sense of belonging for themselves in this multicultural city they call home. Their art serves as a medium for cultural exchange and understanding, breaking down barriers and fostering connections among diverse groups within the London community. At the same time, they are proud of the role that they play in encouraging other young Arab people to be proud of their cultural heritage.
The group is planning to create a dance academy in addition to the workshops that they currently conduct. They want to spread access to Dabke across North America, not just for young Arab men, but for girls and people of other cultures too. Using themselves as an example, they would like to encourage the wider population to embrace their cultural heritage and “leverage it as a source of inspiration for their artistic endeavors.”
When asked what they would say to newcomers to Canada, they say “Don't be afraid to share your art, collaborate with others, and seize opportunities to display your talent. Stay true to your passion and vision and remember that your art has the potential to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy in the vibrant tapestry of London's artistic scene.”
The current troupe has been active since 2019 and has some stand-out accomplishments such as performances for international celebrities like Drake and the Toronto Raptors and appearances on Dragon’s Den. “Dabke is a bridge that connects our Arab origins with our North American identities, we like to mesh both cultures together – create a new culture that we love expressing”, they say. The members refer to themselves as a brotherhood, a solidarity of common interest. The group encourages leadership and discipline, where they build character through support and shared values.
Through their dance performances, they have bridged gaps between different communities and created a sense of belonging for themselves in this multicultural city they call home. Their art serves as a medium for cultural exchange and understanding, breaking down barriers and fostering connections among diverse groups within the London community. At the same time, they are proud of the role that they play in encouraging other young Arab people to be proud of their cultural heritage.
The group is planning to create a dance academy in addition to the workshops that they currently conduct. They want to spread access to Dabke across North America, not just for young Arab men, but for girls and people of other cultures too. Using themselves as an example, they would like to encourage the wider population to embrace their cultural heritage and “leverage it as a source of inspiration for their artistic endeavors.”
When asked what they would say to newcomers to Canada, they say “Don't be afraid to share your art, collaborate with others, and seize opportunities to display your talent. Stay true to your passion and vision and remember that your art has the potential to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy in the vibrant tapestry of London's artistic scene.”
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