Maqamat Dance Theatre, in the framework of the 14th edition of BIPOD – Beirut International Platform of Dance, honored Georgette Gebara and presented her the 2018 Award for Lifetime Achievement during a ceremony held at Sursock Museum.
Georgette Gebara, dancer, educator, writer, performer and academic is a pioneering icon of the dance and cultural scene in Lebanon. Through her dedicated artistic, education and advocacy work, she has made essential contributions to the establishment and development of dance in Lebanon, pioneering the way for future generations both in Lebanon and across the world.
The event was presented by media anchor Mr. Yazbek Wehbe and was followed by the speech of Mia Habis, BIPOD’s artistic director where she said “The road is long and riddled with pitfalls but still with the years and with an example such as Georgette Gebara, I believe that dance can have more than ever the power to wipe off all traces of struggle and emerge instead poetry, concentration of life and aspiration.”
She added “Mrs. Gebara, with your point shoes, you have been pointing at our mentalities, our society, shaking our preconceptions, and proving that being a dancer is possible in Lebanon, and moreover that dance is not only a profession but a tool for change.”
Scenes from the archive of Georgette Gebara have been screened in which she highlighted her lifetime experiences, a portrait of an extraordinary generation in the full sense of the word.
Producer and veteran talk-show host Ricardo Karam made a timely comment in this regard: “We honor together a distinguished personality of my country, who touched the lives of many people and was triumphant in the face of the tribulations of destiny, characterized by excellence and a creative mind.”
He added:“What truly distinguishes Georgette Gebara is her radiant smile… overflowing with exuberant positive vibes, a captivating presence, a roaring serenity and an atypical character.”
Mia Habis and Omar Rajeh (founder and artistic director of Maqamat) presented the award to Georgette Gebara, in recognition of her achievements.
Georgette Gebara was deeply moved by the honoring and said: “It is very touching that dance is honoring dance, because in the artistic world there is so much selfishness and not sharing recognition”. She thanked Omar Rajeh and Mia Habis for the honoring and wished them and BIPOD success for many years to come.
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