DANCE AND DOCUMENTARY FILM LAB of

Ataota AND Wasan Abusummaqah

Together with Wasan, we worked with 20 students through energy exercises, we told them about the history of the Rroma people, and also, we involved them in a video representing in a simplified way the Roma culture. In addition to this, I taught the young people how to play juggling, and almost all of them now know how to play with three balls. We worked in groups, I worked with them with simple methods on how they can move their body and discover more about their bodies. In the last two days of the lab, I focused on contemporary dance and I did small choreography for them.

I didn’t know a lot about the Rroma people before this exhibition, but it gave me the chance to learn and know more, about their history, from where they came or from where they started their journey to the world, their dances, their traditions, their clothes, their lifestyle.

What attracted me the most is their history and how the people treat them based on where they come. I didn’t know any- thing about their history and this inspired me to do a video about it but through dance. I know that it will be the first museum about Rroma people here, so, I know it’s just the beginning to let the people know more and see the Roma people in different ways. All I know is that this museum in the future will change the way that people look at Rroma people.

At this museum, Ataota and I decided to cooperate and do the workshop with the students together. We did energizers, dances, and we learned together with them about the Roma history, culture, and art. The result was a video that represents what we did during the workshop.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Rroma people and how active and energetic they are, and they show that in their dance and culture. Through this exhibition, I learned more about their history and where they originally come from, I learned about their culture, the witchcraft part, the mysteries, and mythologies. For this exhibition, I contributed to filming and editing two videos with Ataota, and I did a painted collage of photos that represents the Rroma people and their culture.

I think the more we talk about the Rroma people and include their culture in our art, the more they will feel included in society, and embracing the beauty of their culture will give them pride in it and not feel ashamed of who they truly are.