Tell us about your dance journey?
My dance journey began at the tender age of 8 when I discovered the profound language of movement as a means of expressing my emotions and personality. Growing up as a reserved and less talkative child, dance was the perfect way for me to articulate myself. I cultivated a unique connection to objects and used them as an extension of my expression.
To formalise my passion, I completed four years of training at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art in Damascus, Syria. After graduating, I embarked on a remarkable chapter when I joined the renowned Caracalla Dance Company in Beirut, Lebanon. This opportunity took me on captivating tours through Italy, Turkey, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Algeria and China, enriching my artistic perspective.
In 2015, amidst the turmoil of war, I sought refuge in Trier, Germany. Despite the challenges, I continued to contribute to the dance world and worked as a dancer with renowned companies. The following year marked an important milestone when I founded my own creative oasis - the HANI Dance Company based in Luxembourg City.
My artistic path is closely interwoven with a deep-rooted desire to escape the harsh reality of the world I was involuntarily thrust into - a world characterised by war, greed, lies, corrupt governments and human arrogance. It is a world in which mercy is often just a fleeting trend. In response, I created my own refuge - a realm that includes theatre pieces, paintings, pictures, choreographies, environments and
landscapes. This body of work became my sanctuary, a safe harbour where I could develop my own story despite the turbulent external
reality.
Tell us about Hani Dance Company?
Founded in Germany in 2016 and now based in Luxembourg City, Hani Dance - Movement Art is a dynamic movement art company that bears the stamp of my creative vision. Guided by my passion for dance and artistic expression, the company has evolved into a powerful force that seamlessly blends talent, cultural diversity and artistic excellence on the international stage.
At the heart of Hani Dance's success is a commitment to collaboration. I actively involve gifted dancers from around the world to pool their talents, resulting in performances that transcend conventional boundaries. I draw inspiration from strength, dynamism, spirit and intellect and weave these elements into performances of contemporary dance, nude art and visual art.
Our journey began with the inaugural project "ONE NIGHT STAND" in 2016, which was well received in Germany and left an indelible impression at the Full Moon Dance Festival in Finland in 2018. Subsequent projects, including "DEM MENSCHEN EIN WOLF" in 2018 and the internationally acclaimed "DARK BIRD" at the Hong Kong International Choreography Festival in 2019, cemented our influence on the dance world.
The "CHANGMU INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL" at the Arko Arts Grand Theatre in Seoul, South Korea,
"DIFFERENTI SENSAZIONI" at Officine CAOS in Turin, Italy, Divadlo XIO - Month of Francophonie 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic, Luxembourg Pride at the Kulturfabrik cultural centre Remarkable performances such as "THE BLIND NARCISSIST" in 2020 are an integral part of the City of Luxembourg's esteemed "HORS CIRCUIT" programme at Trois C-L in 2022. Hani Dance has performed on renowned stages worldwide, from the TUFA Theatre in Trier to the Festival Danza in Rete in Vicenza, Italy, the International Festival of Contemporary Dance in Mexico City the "CHANGMU INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL" at the Arko Arts Grand Theater in Seoul, South Korea, "DIFFERENTI SENSAZIONI" at Officine CAOS in Turin, Italy, Divadlo XIO - Month of Francophonie 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic, Luxembourg Pride at the Kulturfabrik cultural centre.
The collaboration with the Italian-Luxembourgish choreographer Giovanni Zazzera led to the fascinating piece "OUT OF RANGE" in 2021. In 2022, I was commissioned to create the atmospheric short piece "Wind in the Olive Grove" for the Battery Dance Company's
season in New York City. The piece toured Palestine, Israel, Houston, Texas and ended at the 41st annual BATTERY DANCE Festival in New York City in 2023 and made a huge impact on various stages.
Our seventh project, "INLET", went through an intensive research phase in Berlin and was brought to life in Trier to push the boundaries of artistic expression. This remarkable piece has already attracted attention at the prestigious Trois C-L "HORS CIRCUIT" programme and at the Lila López International Festival of Contemporary Dance in Mexico, with performances at the Mariano Matamoros Theatre in Morelia, Mexico, and at the Conjunto Santander de Artes Escénicas in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Our latest artwork "KHAOS" (2023), which enriches our artistic work, has embarked on an impressive journey of discovery at the Grand Theatre Geneva in Switzerland. The eagerly awaited premiere took place at the Mierscher Kulturhaus in Luxembourg, followed by captivating performances at the Messepark Trier in Germany.
Tell us about your most recent creation?
My latest creation, "Unveiling the Abstract", is a boundary-pushing movement art project that seamlessly blends contemporary dance, surrealism, fine art and nude art.
Inspired by Salvador Dalí and Francisco Goya's "Saturn Devouring His Son", it seeks to transcend traditional boundaries by blending landscapes, paintings, photographs and the raw essence of humanity.
"Unveiling the Abstract", inspired by Goya's painting, serves as a guide to explore hidden meanings and hidden interpretations. Through abstract choreography, innovative lighting and multimedia elements, it blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Nude art becomes a means of exploring the complexity of the human experience.
The influence of Salvador Dalí infuses surrealism and subconscious elements, transporting the audience into a realm where known and unknown boundaries intermingle. As a Syrian gay artist who has faced adversity, obscure art becomes a sanctuary that allows me to communicate beyond conventional boundaries.
The symbols in obscure art convey emotions, experiences and perspectives, providing a language that speaks to the common human condition. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, obscure art allows me to explore identity and self-discovery, illuminating the beauty and challenges associated with this journey.
As a choreographer and set designer, I fuse contemporary dance, visual art and nude art to create a visually arresting and emotionally evocative experience. Leading a team of five diverse dancers, we embody the themes of the project by pushing boundaries and
challenging traditional techniques. The carefully crafted lighting design enhances the overall effect and expresses the concept of obscurity.
The piece includes a research phase in venues such as Grand Studio, Belgium , L'Abri, Switzerland and Theatro Rivoli, Portugal, as I have been selected as a Luxembourgish artist for the Grand Luxe programme. "Unveiling the Abstract” has a confirmed residencies and plans for a grand premiere at the Mierscher Kulturhaus in Luxembourg in October 2025. Hani Dance continues to seek collaborations and partners to amplify its artistic voice.
Tell us about a creation that makes you proud?
While I'm generally not inclined towards pride, I find fulfilment in creations that evoke imagination, thoughts, and reactions from people.
Pieces like "The Blind Narcissist," "Out of Range," "INLET," and "KHAOS" hold a special place for me. The audiences' interpretations and responses to these works have played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic direction. I appreciate when viewers share insights about my work that I hadn't considered, reinforcing my openness to new tools and influences in my ongoing artistic journey.
You will be creating for StadTheater Görlitz-Zittau. This is your first contract as a choreographer for a German Theater. How do you feel?
Excited and honored to be commissioned by Stadtheater Görlitz-Zittau, this marks a significant step in my career as a choreographer in my homeland, Germany. While I've previously worked with companies in New York, Berlin, and Mexico, the prospect of contributing to a Stadttheater adds a unique dimension to my artistic journey.
"Wings of Wealth and Woe" is a Movement Art piece that weaves Greek mythology and contemporary capitalism into a thought-provoking exploration of our collective existence. Set within the metaphorical labyrinth of society, the dance embodies the struggle between poverty and riches, encapsulating the allure of material consumption and the intangible facets of happiness.
The anticipation for the artistic process is palpable, and I look forward to delving into the creation of "Wings of Wealth and Woe" with a talented ensemble of 10 dancers. This endeavour holds promise for a rich exploration of themes that resonate deeply with the
complexities of our modern existence.
Tell us about your residency at the Grand Theatre de Geneve in Switzerland?
My residency at the Grand Théâtre de Genève in Switzerland was a truly remarkable experience, facilitated by the esteemed choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. It marked the initial stages of crafting my latest piece, "KHAOS." Working in such a historically
significant space, where renowned choreographers and dancers have left their imprint, was profoundly inspiring.
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui's guidance and support were instrumental during this residency. The collaborative atmosphere and the energy of a space that has witnessed the work of some of the best in the field added a unique layer to the creative process.
Overall, the residency at the Grand Théâtre de Genève served as a foundation for the artistic journey of "KHAOS," and the experience was enriched by the generosity and support of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, a truly exceptional artist.
Tell us about the biggest challenge you've faced as a choreographer in your career.
The biggest challenge in my career as an artist is navigating the landscape of venues and programme directors.
It's a constant struggle to find opportunities for my work, which is compounded by the nature of my art and the inclusion of nudity. Despite expressions of interest
from directors, there is often a reluctance to show the human body.
However, I remain true to my artistic vision in the hope of challenging social norms and freeing our bodies from the constraints of judgement and stigmatisation. The administrative tasks are also a big challenge and take up a lot of time and energy. In the freelance world, stability is elusive and requires constant effort to create new opportunities and maintain momentum. Despite these challenges, I persevere, fuelled by my passion for my craft and the desire to create meaningful experiences through the art of movement.
How do you get inspiration for your creations?
My inspiration is a multi-faceted tapestry woven from a variety of sources. Everything has the potential to awaken creativity in me, be it the brushstrokes of a painting, the composition of a photograph, the depth of a conversation, the expressions of fellow artists, the resonance of words or the raw beauty of the human body. However, it is often emotions that serve as my compass and guide me to the core of my artistic expression.
When I think about my childhood, I discover a source of inspiration. It is a treasure trove of memories, experiences and emotions that shape my perspective and fuel my creativity. In addition, religious art, especially the depiction of Jesus in paintings, has deep meaning for me as it offers layers of symbolism and meaning that transcend the canvas.
Subjects such as war, walls and the psychology of man are also fertile ground for my inspiration. These themes deal with the complexity of the human condition and explore the barriers that impede progress and hinder our common pursuit of peace. They reflect the imbalance in our world, where a disproportionate amount of energy is spent on conflict rather than harmony.
Essentially, I draw my inspiration from the rich tapestry of life itself, weaving together personal experiences, cultural influences and societal observations. It is a constant journey of exploration and discovery, where each encounter and observation contributes to the ever-evolving narrative of my creative expression.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
To be completely honest, I can't recall a time when I wasn't immersed in my work ever since I established my company in 2016. My art isn't just a job; it's my life, my time, my world, and my refuge. It's more than just work in the traditional sense because I pour my heart and
soul into it every day. There are days when I find myself dedicating 12 hours or more to my craft without complaint, simply because I'm deeply passionate about what I do. So, when I'm not actively engaged in creating, I find solace in simply being within the realm of my
artistry, allowing it to permeate every aspect of my existence.
Photo Credits:
Vincent Flouret
BlackGate.Media
Bert Van Pelt
