Beirut Brussels School of Performing Arts/ Dar El Fan: Conceptual Project

Abstract

Beirut Brussels School of Performing Arts (BBSPA) is a contemporary dance and circus arts center that aims to create a sustainable and accessible space for artistic training, creation and community engagement in Beirut, Lebanon. Founded by Umah Rae Gijsen and Joanne Sarkis, the project was developed in response to the lack of professional spaces, technical resources and long-term opportunities available to performing artists in Lebanon. By combining contemporary dance and circus disciplines, BBSPA plans to offer classes, workhops, performances and events for both children and adults. The center aims to create a safe, inclusive and community oriented environment that supports both artistic and personal development. In addition to its educational programs, BBSPA will host Dar El Fan, its professional collective. Dar El Fan This collective brings together emerging and professional artists to develop original contemporary dance and circus productions through research, creation, rehearsals, and performance. The collective serves as BBSPA’s professional artistic branch, creating opportunities for collaboration, touring, and artistic exchange both locally and internationally. Together, BBSPA and Dar El Fan create a complete ecosystem that supports artists from training and skill development to professional creation and performance. BBSPA seeks to contribute to Lebanon’s cultural landscape by providing artists with accessible professional opportunities while encouraging artistic exchange and international collaboration, particularly with organizations in Belgium, Europe and the MENA region. Through a combination of memberships, performances, workshops, studio rentals, merchandise and external funding, the project wants to build a financially sustainable model that supports the long-term development of Beirut’s performing arts community.