Joy filled the air at an official meeting organized by the Lebanese American University to celebrate the handing over of choreographer Georgette Jabbara’s rich archive to the Riad Nassar Library on the university’s campus in Koraytem. The event marked a significant milestone in Jabbara’s career and showcased her immense contribution to the world of dance and theater.
Jabbara’s archive is a treasure trove of memories, filled with black-and-white and colored photos of dancing parties, as well as interviews with leading figures in the industry. Her body, like a storyteller, weaves fictional tales through her graceful movements, reminiscent of beloved stories such as “Cinderella” and “The Sleeping Princess.”
In a time where adulthood seems to have taken over, Georgette Jabbara managed to bridge the gap between dance and poetry. She harmonized the movement of her body with the recitation of seven poems, including works by renowned poets such as Badr Shaker Al-Sayyab, George Ghanem, Fadwa Touqan, Nizar Qabbani, Elias Abu Shabaka, Ibn Zaydun, and Gibran. The title of Gibran’s poem, “I had it yesterday,” reflects the contrast between the beautiful past and the harsh reality of today.
Jabbara’s archive is like a group of butterflies, fluttering from one flower to another, carrying nectar to feed all kinds of flowers. It contains correspondence, photographs, her first ballet dance costume, and a sample of her book “Between Two Steps,” which chronicles her experience in ballet. The archive also includes newspaper clippings and numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious Saeed Akl Award in 1972. Jabbara’s journey spans over 70 years, making her a woman ahead of her time.
The significance of discussing Jabbara’s archive today goes beyond nostalgia. It is an attempt to break free from the tragic decline in arts and culture in Lebanon and the region. It also aims to connect the younger generation with their heritage, as they visit the library to explore this rich archive. Georgette Jabbara, the “Ballerina,” symbolizes the real Lebanon that was stolen by war and its consequences. She elevated Lebanon’s name through her elegant dance and became a beacon of hope in a troubled time.
Georgette Jabbara’s success in her profession stems from her embrace of freedom and her fight for it through ballet dancing on stage. She paved the way for human freedom and the liberation of women from societal constraints. Jabbara elevated dance to a sublime and sacred rank by intertwining body language, poetry, and music.
The celebration of Georgette Jabbara’s archive brought together her fans, including her husband, Mr. Robert Arida, and fellow actors Gabriel Yammine, Rifaat Tarabay, Georges Shalhoub, Elsie Fernini, Randa Al-Asmar, Nicolas Daniel, Julia Kassar, Lina Abyad, and long-time friends. The plastic artist Salima Zod, inspired by Jabbara’s drawings for the ballet “Ecstasy,” painted costume designs for the performance.
The ceremony allowed attendees to break free from the constraints imposed by the ruling class, offering a moment of respite and joy. The President of the University, Dr. Lunar, played a significant role in making the event a success.
The day dedicated to Georgette Jabbara also featured a special performance by choreographer Dr. Nadra Assaf, who knew Jabbara closely. Assaf, along with the Mirage Dance Troupe, consisting of dance teachers Jimmy Bashara and Sarah Fadel, presented a dance inspired by Jabbara’s career and derived from her archive. The performance highlighted the importance of dance in conveying knowledge to the audience.
Georgette Jabbara’s archive is a testament to her remarkable career and the impact she has had on the world of dance and theater. It serves as a reminder of the power of art to overcome sadness and bring joy to our lives.
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How has Georgette Jabbara’s archive inspired and influenced aspiring artists in the Middle East?
Ntu dancer” of the Middle East, continues to inspire and influence aspiring artists through her work and archive.
The official meeting at the Lebanese American University was filled with joy as Georgette Jabbara’s rich archive was handed over to the Riad Nassar Library. This marked a significant milestone in her career, highlighting her immense contribution to the world of dance and theater.
Jabbara’s archive is a treasure trove of memories, capturing the essence of dancing parties through black-and-white and colored photos. It also contains interviews with influential figures in the industry, showcasing Jabbara’s impact on the dance and theater community.
With her graceful movements, Jabbara’s body acts as a storyteller, weaving fictional tales reminiscent of beloved stories like “Cinderella” and “The Sleeping Princess.” She has managed to bridge the gap between dance and poetry, harmonizing the movement of her body with the recitation of seven poems by renowned poets such as Badr Shaker Al-Sayyab, George Ghanem, Fadwa Touqan, Nizar Qabbani, Elias Abu Shabaka, Ibn Zaydun, and Gibran. The contrast between the beautiful past and the harsh reality of today is reflected in the title of Gibran’s poem, “I had it yesterday.”
Jabbara’s archive is like a group of butterflies, fluttering from one flower to another, carrying nectar to feed all kinds of flowers. It contains correspondence, photographs, her first ballet dance costume, and a sample of her book “Between Two Steps,” which chronicles her experience in ballet. The archive also includes newspaper clippings and numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious Saeed Akl Award in 1972. With a journey spanning over 70 years, Jabbara proves to be a woman ahead of her time.
The discussion surrounding Jabbara’s archive holds great importance in the current cultural landscape of Lebanon and the region. It aims to break free from the tragic decline in arts and culture and reconnect the younger generation with their heritage. As they explore this rich archive at the library, they have the opportunity to be inspired by Georgette Jabbara, the “Bantu dancer” of the Middle East, and continue her legacy in the world of dance and theater.
Georgette Jabbara’s incredible story of triumph amidst sadness brings hope and inspiration to all. Her ability to find joy in the face of adversity is truly remarkable. A remarkable woman deserving of celebration and admiration.
Georgette Jabbara’s story reminds us that even in the midst of sadness, joyful triumphs can shine through. Her journey serves as an inspiration to embrace life’s challenges, finding strength and happiness amidst adversity. Celebrating Georgette is a celebration of resilience and an important reminder to cherish every moment.