Dance Workshop with Omar Rajeh

Omar Rajeh's workshop is designed to bring a new approach of looking at the body and acquiring new choreographic tools that help the artists in their creative processes. His approach moves beyond the conventional ideas and aesthetics of contemporary dance, inspiring the body and pushing it to its ultimate creative capacity. Participants will learn a broader perspective of choreography and dance, based on the inner impulses of the body, not on its purely physical form.

Omar Rajeh 

Omar Rajeh is a renowned figure in contemporary dance who made a significant impact towards establishing a contemporary dance scene in Lebanon. As the founder of Maqamat in Beirut (2002), he moved on to establish his company in Lyon (2020), earning recognition from the French Ministry of Culture ‘for his contribution and engagement in the service of Culture’ as a 'Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.' With a BA in Theatre Studies from the Lebanese University and an MA in Dance Studies from the University of Surrey, Rajeh's over twenty choreographic creations transcend conventional boundaries, challenging perceptions of body unity and singularity. 

His works, characterized by vigorous movements and profound socio-political connections, resonate powerfully, leaving an enduring impact on the audience. Over two decades, Rajeh has woven, explored, and refined a unique choreographic language, taking his performances to over a hundred cities globally and participating in major dance festivals world wide. Beyond his artistic achievements, Rajeh's contributions extend to founding the Beirut International Platform of Dance (BIPOD) in 2004, a pivotal dance festival offering an international program of performances, workshops, lectures, and meetings. Co-founding the Masahat Dance Network, spanning Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan, Rajeh's commitment to regional connectivity culminated in the MOULTAQA LEYMOUN platform, fostering opportunities for emerging and established Arab artists. 

In the heart of Beirut, Rajeh unveiled Citerne Beirut, a new performing arts space, demonstrating his dedication to enriching the cultural landscape. Although dismantled in August 2019, the space aimed to propel Maqamat's projects towards an enhanced experience, reaching a broader audience. As the co-founder of Citerne.live, a digital cultural platform, Rajeh continues to innovate, bridging technology and the arts for wider accessibility. In essence, Omar Rajeh's work goes beyond dance, contributing significantly to the cultural tapestry of the region with a focus on inclusivity and connection.