Collectively founded in 2023, Malikat Al Dabke (meaning Queens of Dabke in Arabic) is the first all-women’s dabke troupe in the DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, specializing in performing and teaching Palestinian and Lebanese dabke/dabka, Iraqi dabcha/chobi and the traditions and practices associated with the dance, including zaffe wedding procession with bass drums called tabls.

They create original choreography and aweehas (a vocal tradition), and have incorporated Arabic singing into their more somber performances. They pride themselves on teaching dabke’s history, its cultural significance, its music and styles, constantly learning and growing, and spreading its healing movement across generations and communities to keep their existence and joy alive.