who we are

In addition to several artistic productions performed over many decades, one of the most important contributions of El-Funoun dance group to Palestinian cultural life has been reviving and disseminating Palestinian folk dance and songs in schools and community centers all over Palestine and abroad. Volunteer members of El-Funoun have dedicated time and effort to train new Palestinian generations so that they can transmit the message onwards. It is within this framework that the “Bara’em El-Funoun” group was established in 1986 for young dancers aged 14-18 who have their own productions and can eventually audition to join the main group.

El-Funoun is widely recognized as the cultural institution that has played the most significant role in reviving and reinvigorating Palestinian dance “Dabke” and folklore music in Palestineand the Diaspora. Its songs and dances are a cornerstone of every household, school, and social occasion. The Troupe has 268 member-volunteers that come from various social backgrounds,both male and female, who consider El-Funoun as their second home and community wherevarious generations meet: dancers, members, artists, administrators and board members primarily motivated by their sense of belonging to the homeland, and strong belief in the creative vision of the Troupe. This is one of the secrets behind the continuity of El-Funoun dance group over the years.