About

Samer Karaja is a Palestinian dancer and choreographer from Saffa, west of Ramallah. His work is shaped by the rhythms of land, farming, and the communal energy of night weddings, as well as his long experience with El-Funoun Palestinian Dance Troupe, with whom he has performed and taught internationally.

Street Dabke is a project that teaches Palestinian folk dabke through simple, interactive workshops inspired by the atmosphere of weddings and social gatherings. It is a flexible, accessible practice that can happen anywhere — in studios, parks, streets, and public spaces — inviting anyone to join, learn the rhythm, and feel the collective energy of the dance.

Samer is also a founding member of Ard El-Ya's, a movement initiative exploring land, memory, and social transformation. In addition to his artistic work, he is the co-owner of Ka2nu Beit, a community-oriented restaurant in Ramallah.

His artistic philosophy centers on the belief that movement carries memory — that the body remembers the land, the stories, and the people who shaped it. Through his work, he aims to expand dabke beyond its traditional form, create spaces for collective exploration, and build projects that bring together dance, heritage, and community building.