learning, and his experience. He showed a surpassing skill that carried him into the ranks of the outstanding teachers, and his fondness for folk dance reached the point of passion, so that he went roaming through the various regions of Lebanon, gathering the varieties of the dabke and its steps, refining its movements, and training young men and women to dance it in a new and original performance.
His experience and his knowledge of folklore were consolidated by a journey to Moscow on which his wife was his companion; in its course they became acquainted with some of the basic Russian steps and dances, and gathered what information could be gathered within this compass...
And at the Baalbek festivals last summer the "Jarrars" passed their first great test "with distinction"! They drew all eyes to themselves, and everyone acknowledged their capacity, their energy, and the conquering determination that means to kindle in Lebanon an artistic renaissance in folk dance, local and Western alike. And for such singular efforts they earned Lebanon's thanks in a decoration with which His Excellency President Chamoun adorned their breasts.
And yesterday the opening ceremony of the Games came to confirm this will. The assembled thousands applauded long the rhythmic movements and the folk dances, performed with the utmost order, precision, and harmony — and which were none other than the creation of Wadia herself!
And when she spoke to me of the troubles she had met with while training the girls, she could not hide a lump that rose in her throat, and a hot tear in her eye. I said to myself: "She is a valiant soldier, fighting with light arms; but
her faith is strong, and therefore in
At the Cedars they learned the steps of the folk dance
The groom (Marwan) and the bride and her father, at Baalbek
Rhythmic movements to the strains of the waltz
The mij dabke at the Baalbek festivals