« Dance or Die » : a syrian dancer at the ZUP show in Geneva
7 October 2017
On Thursday 5 October Ahmad Joudeh participated in the show ZUP at the Plainpalais skate park, in partnership with Geneva Call. He opened this evening dedicated to war victims, with his solo “Sacrifice” that he has performed for the first time. Ahmad is known to have danced, sometimes putting his life in danger, in war-torn Syria and in particular, one year ago in the ruins of Palmyra.
“It is important for us to show that even during war, art is still there and constitutes a sign of hope. Ahmad perfectly illustrates that, not only is he a talented artist but he is also extremely courageous. His combat to promote human dignity in Syria joins the one that Geneva Call is conducting to protect populations affected by armed conflict. We are very proud and happy of his presence at this evening” said Elisabeth Decrey Warner, Geneva Call’s Executive President.
Ahmad now lives in the Netherlands after the director of the Dutch National Ballet noticed him in the documentary “Dance or Die”, as the motto he had tattooed in Sanskrit on his neck.
“Dancing in the ruins of Palmyra was an experience that changed my life and that, I hope, raised awareness about the role of art during war and about the conditions of the populations in Syria and other countries affected by war. Knowing that people outside the country have us in mind is already a support. I’m proud to carry this message of hope together with Geneva Call at this special evening in Geneva” said Ahmad Joudeh.
In 2017, Geneva Call works in more than 15 countries affected by armed conflict (Syria, Iraq, DR Congo, Burma/Myanmar etc.) and conducts humanitarian negotiations with 50 armed groups on the respect of civilian populations, in particular the protection of children, schools, hospitals, the fight against sexual violence or the protection of cultural heritage.