Lebanese Folk Dancers

Since the mid 60's, the family-oriented and community-based parishioners of St. George Maronite Catholic Church have shared their love of their culture in food and dance to the community of San Antonio, Texas. Under the direction of Karen Karam Baines, the dance troupe began entertaining in the annual Lebanese festival called, "Magic is the Night."

Today, under the direction of Deborah Mery Fernandez and Yazmeen Mery Fernandez, the dance troupe continues to entertain for "Magic" functions near and far, namely, the State Fair of Texas, but most notably for the past 35 years at the Texas Folklife Festival.

Numbering over 100 performers, the dance troupe continues an exciting tradition of combining the ageless culture and charm of the Mediterranean with the energy and spirit of modern day San Antonio.

Mission:

To preserve and share the beautiful heritage and the tradition of the Lebanese cultural dance in our community and to the community at-large.

Purpose:

            The purpose of the Lebanese Folk Dance Troupe is to educate the public with demonstrations of its unique form of dance and music.

Goals:

The goals of the Lebanese Folk dance troupe are:

• To include and demonstrate the different types of dances allowing all ages and gender to participate.
• To research and adhere to the authenticity of the cultural dance, namely the Dabkie
• To continue to spread the love of Lebanese folk dancing to everyone in and out of our community.

I. Membership

A. Enrollment in the Lebanese Folk Dance Troupe is open to all members of the St. George parish over the age of 5 years.

B. There are no try-outs.

C. The minimum age of a dancer is 5 years old.

 II. Fees and Fundraisers

             A. Fees must accompany Enrollment Form

                  1. Parishioners:  Returning - $15.00 each  New - $30.00

                  2. Non Parishioners: Returning - $25.00 each New - $50.00

            B. Any additional contributions are greatly appreciated!

            C. The need for a fee is based upon actual costs

    1. dance music

    2. costumes

a) fabrics

b) mending

c) alterations

d) labor of seamstress

    3. travel expenses to out of town performances

    4. hotel rooms for dancers at out of town performances 5. State Fair admission fees for performers

            F. The Parish covers certain expenses for the Lebanese Dance Troupe such as:

                1. admission into Texas Folklife Festival for all performers

    2. meals at Texas Folklife Festival for all performers (commensurate with the performance schedule)

                3. In some instances, some of the cost of travel might be incurred by the performers.

          G. Fundraisers

1. Fundraisers have been helpful in the past to assist in defraying some of the costs associated with the Lebanese Folk Dance Troupe.

2. In 2006 the Lebanese Folk Dance Troupe will participate in fundraisers to help offset its operating costs.

3. Our goal in any fund raiser is to have 100% participation. A minimum of one item sold is greatly appreciated.

III. Parental Contact

          A. A rehearsal schedule will be given out in advance so that families can make necessary arrangements for attending the rehearsals.

               B. Although a schedule will be given out in advance, there are occasions where additional contact with parents is needed. Due to the large size of the Lebanese Folkdance Troupe, email will be the primary form of communication. Parents are expected to check their email on a regular basis.