About Debkah

Debkah is the indigenous folk dance of the Levant , the region of the Middle East that includes Lebanon , Syria , Palestine , Jordan and parts of Iraq . Despite some regional variations in steps and music, this line dance is recognizable in all these countries by its intricate footwork that includes traveling steps, stamping that punctuates the music, hopping and lunging.  The dancers are typically linked by holding hands or touching shoulders. The dance is customarily a part of any social or celebratory event, and is performed as an improvised, communal line dance that both young and old take part in. In this setting steps are directed by the lawwih, the leader at the head of the line.