Ep 3. Beirut

"We Speak Dance" is an innovative dance show that explores the language of dance across different cultures around the world. The show is hosted and choreographed by Vandana Hart, an acclaimed dancer and choreographer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. In season 1 episode 3, titled "Beirut," Vandana travels to Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, to discover the role that dance plays in the lives of the people living there.

The episode begins with a stunning aerial view of Beirut, a city that has been rebuilt several times due to war and conflict. Vandana meets her first dancers at the iconic Raouche Rocks, a geological wonder that has become a symbol of the city. The dancers, who are all from the Lebanese National Conservatory of Music and Dance, perform a traditional Lebanese dabke dance, which is a folk dance that originated in the Levant region.

Vandana is impressed by the energy and passion of the dancers and asks them about the significance of the dabke dance. They explain that the dance is a celebration of community, and it is often performed at weddings, festivals, and other joyous occasions. Vandana is intrigued by the cultural significance of the dance and decides to learn the steps herself.

Next, Vandana meets Karim Ghattas, a hip-hop dancer and choreographer who has made a name for himself in Beirut's underground dance scene. Karim takes Vandana to the streets of Beirut, where he shows her how hip-hop has become an outlet for young people to express themselves and escape the daily challenges of living in a city that has seen so much conflict.

Karim introduces Vandana to some of his fellow dancers, who come from diverse backgrounds and use dance as a way to break down barriers and unite people. They show her some of their signature moves, which blend hip-hop with traditional Middle Eastern dance styles.

Vandana is moved by the dancers' passion and resilience and decides to incorporate some of their moves into a new choreography that blends two very different styles of dance. She also explores the power of dance as a way to heal trauma and promote healing, particularly in a place like Beirut that has seen so much conflict.

The episode ends with a powerful performance by Vandana and the Lebanese dancers, which showcases the beauty of diversity and the universality of dance. Vandana leaves Beirut feeling inspired by the resilience and creativity of the dancers she has met and grateful for the opportunity to explore the language of dance in a new and meaningful way.