Lebanese-born Abdel-Halim Caracalla created the Caracalla Dance Theatre during an era when pursuing a career in the expressive arts was not the norm.
The 80-year-old became a pioneer of dance in the Middle East, taking folk forms like dabke from traditional weddings to the stage.
In the years that followed, Caracalla Dance Theatre toured the world, performing in venues from New York’s Kennedy Centre to London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Abdel-Halim Caracalla talks to his dancers
Abdel-Halim received funding from some leaders in the Middle East region like King Hussein of Jordan, as well as support from governmental bodies like the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.
Classic contemporary
The Caracalla Dance Theatre performs on stage
Abdel-Halim created a, “unique evolution in Arab dance culture,” by mixing traditional Lebanese dance forms with international methods, so says his daughter, Alissar, who is the company’s choreographer.
