ANKAWA: Newly-established Syriac Arts Troupe starts training for folkloric dance events

ANKAWA / ERBIL, Iraq ꟷ The Syriac Arts Troupe has started training in preparation for participation in cultural and artistic events. The newly-established folkloric dance group is affiliated with the General Directorate of Syriac Culture and Arts in Ankawa, a Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian subdistrict of 120 thousand in Erbil.

In a special occasion on January 30, the Troupe received training and coaching from Ramtha Chamoun and Tony Chamoun, two specialized trainers of the Bar-Maya Troupe from the city of Beth Zalin (Qamishli). The training exercises included learning the moves of different national dances inspired by the Syriac heritage, as well as seminars on folklore and the history of Syriac folk dance.

“The General Directorate of Syriac Culture and Arts has completed its preparations for the launch of its artistic folklore band called Syriac Arts Troupe, which is affiliated with our Directorate’s arts division. They are now preparing themselves for participation in cultural and folkloric events inside and outside Iraq,” said the supervisor of the Syriac Arts Troupe in Ankawa Laith Benjamin.

The Syriac Arts Troupe was established at the end of 2022. It includes a group of young and talented men and women from the various towns and regions of the Chaldeans-Syriacs-Assyrians in the Nineveh Plains and northern Iraq.