Hayakel Baalbeck Dance Troupe was founded in 1994 with just six dancers, trained by Abou Yahya Solh and Abou Ibrahim Solh. They mastered the traditional Baalbeck Dabke Dance in all its forms, becoming some of the few who kept this art alive at a time when many young people were abandoning traditional Dabke and folklore.

On January 7, 2003, the troupe received an official license from the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the name “Hayakel Baalbeck Association.” This official status as an art and cultural association reflects their commitment to preserving a local tradition rooted in the arts of dance and the original Baalbeck Dabke. They believe in the importance of maintaining this tradition, which has spread across Lebanon and remained strong through the years.

The Dabke dances from Baalbeck are distinct from other types because they have been passed down through generations without any modifications. These dances are typically performed to the melodies of the traditional Arabian flute. The six types of Dabke they perform include “Zeino,” “Arja” (Limping), “Tayrawiya,” “Askariya” (Military), “Shmeliya” (North), and “Baddawiyya” (Gypsy).

Today, the troupe has drawn a large number of students eager to learn Lebanese Dabke and folklore, contributing to the preservation of this thriving local heritage.

Wedding ceremonies are energized by the grace of the girls and the strength of the boys, all under the banner of art, Dabke, and tradition. Hayakel Baalbeck Dance Troupe has become a symbol of these celebrations, bringing joy to the community with every performance.