Homs, Sept. 9 (SANA) Fans of classical Arab music gathered at Bustan al-Diwan at the Jesuit Fathers Monastery in Homs, central Syria, for a performance by the Ehsas Ballet and Expressive Dance Troupe, held in cooperation with the Jesuit Cultural Forum.
Titled “A Night of Ehsas in the Presence of the Star of the East,” the performance drew an enthusiastic audience with a selection of songs by legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, widely known as “The Star of the East.” Her music was reimagined through choreographed pieces blending classical Eastern influences with contemporary expressive movement.
Sawsan al-Fahli, director of the Ehsas Ballet and Expressive Dance Troupe, told SANA that the performance was the culmination of three months of intensive training and preparation and featured a carefully selected collection from Umm Kulthum’s musical legacy.
She said the troupe sought to present classical Arab music through the language of ballet, noting that the art form can incorporate different artistic styles within a classical framework. This, she added, allows the troupe to broaden its creative experimentation and offer diverse visual performances that appeal to audiences.
Fairouz al-Youssef, head of the Scientific Historical Association, said the performance successfully captured the spirit of Umm Kulthum’s legacy and the enduring appeal of her songs through the harmony of its choreographed pieces.
She expressed hope that similar musical and artistic events would continue, contributing to a richer cultural scene in Homs.
Ehsas troupe member and dancer Sandra Nehme said participating in the performance gave her an opportunity to practice an art form she loves and is passionate about, describing ballet as an expression of human refinement and a passion that accompanies her in her daily life.
By bringing classical Arab song together with ballet and expressive dance, the performance offered audiences a contemporary visual interpretation of one of the Arab world’s most enduring musical legacies.
N.J/MF
