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Portrait of Farah Saleh

Farah Saleh

Innovative Palestinian dancer, choreographer, blending memory, politics, and identity.

Born
1985
Born in
Palestinian refugee camp in Syria
Path
Arts
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Why Farah is here

Her unique approach in integrating dance, political context, and personal memory has redefined the scope of contemporary dance, especially within the Palestinian narrative.

Their story

Farah Saleh is a Palestinian dancer and choreographer known for her innovative and thought-provoking dance performances. She has garnered international acclaim for her ability to use dance as a medium to explore and express issues related to identity, memory, and the Palestinian experience.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Farah’s path.

  1. Moved to Jordan as a young girl

    Saleh's early years were marked by her movement from a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria to Jordan, then back to Palestine, and finally to Italy for academic studies, where she continued her dance education.

  2. 2013

    Development of her unique dance method

    Saleh developed a distinctive approach to dance, focusing on the archive of gestures and avoiding traditional dance techniques.

  3. 2019

    Creation of "What My Body Can/t Remember"

    A pivotal piece based on her memories of the Second Intifada in 2002, relying solely on bodily memories without physical archives like videos or photos.

  4. 2021

    PAST-inuous performance

    An interactive live performance installation reflecting on the Palestinian refugee experience.

  5. 2023

    Earned her practice-based PhD

    Completed her PhD at Edinburgh College of Art, further solidifying her academic and practical contributions to contemporary dance.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Award-Winning Performances

    Won 3rd prize at YAYA (2014) and dance prize at Palest’In and Out Festival (2016).

  2. Innovative Dance Installations

    Created installations like "A Fidayee Son in Moscow" and "Cells of Illegal Education" focusing on themes of civil disobedience and cultural representation.

  3. Engagement with International Dance Companies

    Worked with various dance companies across Palestine, Europe, and the US, contributing to a diverse range of dance projects.

  4. Teaching and Coordinating Artistic Projects

    Taught dance and coordinated projects with institutions like the Palestinian Circus School and Sareyyet Ramallah.

  5. Co-Founder of Sareyyet Ramallah Summer Dance School

    Co-founded and ran this dance school, nurturing the next generation of dancers.

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