Dancing against all odds, Down Syndrome dabke troupe takes steps towards empowerment

AMMAN — Stomping their feet in unison and dancing to traditional songs, the Arab folk dance of dabke unites a group of young men with Down Syndrome.

Intisar Al Khateeb recently launched the Al Forsan dabke troupe as part of a larger initiative titled “Down Syndrome Gives Life Meaning”, which has a wide array of programmes — from photography to cooking — for people with Down Syndrome.

“The idea of the troupe was inspired by my experience growing up with my two brothers who have Down Syndrome,” Khateeb told The Jordan Times, adding that dabke can socially integrate people with Down Syndrome and help them overcome bullying.

The troupe of 19 young men practises together every Saturday, Khateeb said.

“Had it not been for the initiative’s efforts and the young men and their parents’ commitment to training with their coach, Umm Hashim [Lolo Abu Al Rub], the Al Fursan team would not have blossomed,” Khateeb said.

Abu Al Rub, the mother of a troupe member and the troupe’s coach, told The Jordan Times that the band boosted its members’ self-confidence and helped them overcome stage fright.

Abu Al Rub added that the troupe helps connect young people with their cultural heritage and showcases that disability is not a bar to active participation in society.