Our School
The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance was founded in 1993 to provide training in Lebanese dance (dabké) and bellydance (oriental dance) for young students (6 years and over) and adults of all ages. The only one of its kind in Canada and North America, it has been instrumental in preserving Lebanese choreographies created in Canada and inspired by the Yazbek repertoire.
The school teaches several styles of Lebanese dance in a learning environment that fosters fun, artistic fulfillment and personal development.
Belly dance instruction is included in dabké classes for advanced students. Adult dabké and baladi classes are offered during the fall and winter semesters.
Whether you’re 6 or 60, the Canadian Lebanese Dance School has something for you. Join us for a dance season filled with jumps, turns and pirouettes for the young and the young at heart!
Our History
The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance (CSLD) was founded in Ottawa in 1993 with a mandate to provide professional dance training in dabké, Lebanese dance and baladi to students, young adults and adults of all ages. The School is the only institution of its kind in Canada, and has been instrumental in keeping alive Lebanese choreographies created in Canada known as the Yazbek repertoire.
The School supports the interest of young students dedicated to Lebanese dance as a recreational activity and nurtures the talent of students with an ambition to pursue dance professionally. Young students are welcome to join classes starting at the age of 6 years. The School year begins in September and ends in May with an annual year-end dance production.
Adult classes are offered in blocks of 6 weeks in the fall and winter semesters:
Fall semester: September through November
Winter semester: January through March
Our Teachers
The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance has a complement of passionate, experienced and active teachers. Exposure to Lebanese music, dance and theatre with Al-Arz, combined with a series of major stage performances in Canada and abroad contribute to the versatility of teachers and diversity of their individual and collective experiences.
We love our teachers and we’re sure you’ll love them too. They provide love and support to students in their journey from aspiring dancers to inspiring performers.
Our Programs
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
At the close of its 30th anniversary season in 2024, the Canadian School of Lebanese Dance launched its Scholarship Program to highlight the School’s commitment to three generations of dancers.
The Program seeks to encourage the participation of children and youth in Lebanese dance thanks to the support of local community organizations.
In its inaugural year, we recognize the support of COLCO who has sponsored a student at the School for the 2024-2025 dance season.
If you or your organization wish to support one or more students in dance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Advanced level students who have successfully completed 6 to 9 years of dance training at the School can choose to pursue their dance training under the Apprenticeship Program.
The Program is designed to provide a smooth transition, from a structured curriculum in Lebanese dance to intense training and performance opportunities with the Al-Arz Group.
Under the Apprenticeship Program, students are required to commit to a minimum number of hours of regular dance instruction, and additional hours of training alongside seasoned Al-Arz dancers.
SUMMER CAMP
The Canadian School of Lebanese Dance hosts a week-long day camp during the summer for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Participation in the camp is open to all children. The program includes indoor and outdoor arts and sports activities. The camp is intended to build friendships, foster self-confidence and encourage creativity through performance.
The School also hosts a 3-day camp at Camp Air-Eau-Bois for youth between the ages of 13 and 18. Participation in the camp is open to all children. All performing arts activities are performed outdoors and incorporate daily sports activities. The camp seeks to bring youth together to discover the wealth of Lebanese performing arts in a natural environment where spontaneity and adaptability are central to artistic creation.
