Douban Structure : The word ‘Douban’ originates from an exquisite Persian dancing performance style, which used to be performed in front of Persian rulers on special occasions by the most professional dancers of the court. The Company was founded in the end of 2012, by a young talented dancer who believe in the power of movements more than words in developing society and bring people together, in addition he addressed thirst for arts in the Palestinian society that needed to be quench. Douban Professional Dance was founded as non- profit organization that both stuff and dancers were volunteering. Douban started with 16 young talent girls and 3 compassionate choreographers and teachers. Today Douban is comprised of more than 50 committed Palestinian young dancers from all areas of East Jerusalem and the west bank who have trained together for several years. Douban dancers are still volunteering however Douban are providing them with high quality dance education, teachers and opportunities. In addition, The Company adminastration and artistic Stuff grow as well, in the result of the dramatic development of the company , the company artistic staff now is composed of 12 experienced teachers in various fields ,and 4 volunteering employees in administration . Besides our network extended vastly to move from local to international. Douban Resource: The Group implement via few resources , since douban group is non profit organization ,and depends on itself to generate money enable it to function in a challenge diverse society ,and provide different artistic services to the community. However it was not easy to sustain ,but fortunately Douban evolve a viral positive reputation among society and still executing a high-end quality in providing art services , creating and performing artistic productions , protecting and guid the development of Palestinian folklore by implementing several researches, inhabiting the art culture in the community .Thanks to our long-term partner "Collage Des Freres" who provide us with the space and administrative services . As we said before the group generates funds independently ,determining on four sources , the first and the major one is the Artistic director/ Main Choreographer who believed in the Company role from the beginning and volunteer his time ,skills , and technique to the Company .The second major one is from the revenues generated by different Dance courses we are offering to kids ,youth, and adults in Palestine who contribute resealable fees .Besides ,we count on the revenues from the tickets selling and performances. The third source is the community itself ,which support and motivate us financially ,physically, and emotionally by funding some events expenses , spread the word out to reach and influence new participants/audiences ,and offering help to develop the company. Douban specialization & Work: Douban is a specialized group that performs a variety of both local and international styles of dance. With artistic and cultural development as a core belief, the group combines the expressive style of modern dance, with classical and folkloric dance. As an integral part of the social, cultural and artistic mosaic of Jerusalem, the group seeks to tackle social issues by conveying positive messages through the production of integrated theatrical dance performances. Our dance Company has a firm belief that through our commitment and creativity we can develop society to tackle local, regional and international issues. In 2014, the group produced and performed a show titled “Desert Dream”, which was a modern dance style that infused Palestinian traditional “dabkeh” dance with modern and Flamenco dance. The show aimed to trigger constructive thinking based on unity and group achievements. It allowed the audience to reject deformed social habits and to break the silence. It put forward women talents with youthful enthusiasm. The performance involved more than 40 young dancers (14-22 years old). The show was performed among 3 years in Jerusalem, Birzeit, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nazareth as well as during the cultural week festival 2014 in Kuwait. Building on this experience and with the help of trainers from several parts of the world, Douban Troup was able to produce their second production under the name of SALAL, which addresses the most sensitive issues within the Middle East. This performance was a journey in itself; it was capable to bring 145 artists within art field, from around the world to corporate and put their unique signature into the project, which result in unique creative performance, and music Cd. Besides our preforming company, Douban Professional Dance is providing dance and Folk Program in schools, intuitions and clubs. Douban is now cover 12 organizations with dance & folk lessons, and artistic support, which influence more than 1200 students, and these students are our seeds for change. Not only that but also Douban volunteers its capabilities to different non profit/public organization in Palestine providing their end-beneficiary with performances, researches and dance classes.
