In a special episode, j. passes the mic to three organizers from Dancers for Palestine (D4P), Leila (she/her), Hallie Chametzky (she/her), and Nadia Khayrallah (they/them), so that they can facilitate a discussion amongst the three of themselves about the history of their own relationships with Palestine, Zionism and the repercussions of being pro-Palestinian & having an Arab identity in the dance field, and how D4P came to be. To what degree can art change the world and to what degree do we need to step away from a purely artistic endeavor to focus on mutual aid? And how can we garner a universal acceptance within the dance community that Palestine must be free?
(Recorded: March 16, 2024)
While this episode was recorded in March, these questions are even more prevalent now after the violent suppression of pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses, the continued genocide in the Gaza Strip that has now expanded to the West Bank, and, now, Israel’s terrorism in Lebanon.
*EDITORS NOTE: From 30:00 to 32:30, you can hear the outro play over the guest’s introduction. This will be fixed soon. But, in the meantime please bare with us. We wanted to make sure this episode got out to you on time.*
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To join the movement, email dancersforpalestine@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @dancers_for_palestine
Dancers for Palestine (D4P) is an autonomous group of dance workers who organize in solidarity with the global movement for Palestinian liberation. Formed during Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza beginning in 2023, D4P seeks to both cohere and create a dance community which is vocal and active in its support of the Palestinian people.
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Leila is a researcher, performer, choreographer, community organizer, and educator. She is a current PhD candidate at UC Berkeley in the Theatre, Dance, Performance Studies Program and is an alum of New York University and George Mason University. Her research and work look at how dance is co-opted, appropriated, and performed for state and anti-imperial interests, particularly as it pertains to Palestine and its occupation.
Hallie Chametzky (she/her) is a movement artist, writer, archivist, and organizer. Her choreographic work investigates assumptions about historical and contemporary women and the forces which shape their lives. Jewishness is also central to her work, and leftist activism central to her Jewishness. Hallie’s choreography has been supported by University Settlement, MOtiVE Brooklyn, Undiscovered Countries, The Craft, and Spoke the Hub, and her writing can be found in the Brooklyn Rail, In Dance, Culturebot, Nimrod, Mouse Magazine, and Gigantic Sequins, among others.
Nadia Khayrallah (they/them) is a dance artist, writer, admin, (dis)content creator and community (dis)organizer, rooted in history and fantasy, form and groove, esoterica and common sense. Their work has recently been presented with Arab American National Museum, Time & Space Limited, CUE Art Gallery, and Spark Theatre Festival. They can also be found yelling at institutions and writing poems in the notes app.
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j. bouey
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Edited By: Jon Reyes
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