Presented by the University of Richmond 2025 Dance Residency for Social Change
16 October, 2025
7:30pm
Carole Weinstein International Center Commons
Feel the Rhythm, Awaken the Spirit.
Lifeforce: Nafs نَفس is a multi-sensory cultural experience that weaves together the fire of Dabke, the elegance of belly dance (raqs sharqi in Arabic), the thunder of Levantine drums, and the opulence of live musicians. The word nafs (نَفْس) is commonly translated as the self or soul—the animating essence of a person. In Arabic poetry, nafs is often intertwined with the idea of breath and life-force. This show invites you into that essence: the pulse that moves a community, the spirit that gathers us, the spark that awakens something within.
Presented as part of Michael Kahwajy-Hyland’s residency at the University of Richmond, Lifeforce: Nafs celebrates heritage while inviting every audience member—of any background—into the circle.
Tonight is an invitation as much as a performance. Through rhythm, movement, and the energy of a shared experience, we step into a story that is both ancient (two of the oldest recorded dance forms in the world) and urgently alive; both beautiful and dangerous; both soothing and provocative.
Born from labor & village life in the Cradle of Civilization, Dabke - my dance form - has become a modern-day symbol of identity, community, celebration, and resistance. It’s a dance of neighbors, families, and friends uplifting one another in both the happiest and hardest of times.
In that spirit, this evening’s special edition in-the-round performance brings you close, so you can feel the heartbeat and the soul (the nafs) of the dance, the statements made with it, and the people behind it. Consider this the “Tiny Desk Concert” of Middle Eastern dance.
My hope is that you leave more connected—to cultures foreign to you, to your own roots and personal power, and to the inspiration of passionate movement. Thank you for being here, for your curiosity, and for adding your spirit to this experience. I hope you feel it.
— Michael “Misho” Kahwajy-Hyland
Artist-in-Residence | Co-Producer | Creator & Director
This year’s residency features Lebanese-American artist Michael Kahwajy-Hyland, director of MKH Dabke & Middle Eastern Dance Entertainment, based here in Richmond, VA. His work celebrates the music and dance traditions of the Levant as expressions of identity, resilience, and human dignity, while challenging harmful stereotypes and misrepresentations that normalize violence, erasure, and dehumanization of Arab communities locally and globally. This residency has included a Dabke public workshop, class visits in courses related to dance, music, and political science, and tonight’s performance.
Curator, Annual Dance Residency for Social Change
Michael “Misho” Kahwajy-Hyland is a Lebanese-American performer, choreographer, producer, and cultural ambassador whose mission extends far beyond entertainment. As founder of MKH Dabke & Middle Eastern Dance Entertainment and current Artist-in-Residence at the University of Richmond, he uses the power of dance to uplift culture, inspire audiences of all backgrounds, and create connection. A professional performer for nearly a decade, Misho has been called on by embassies, shared the stage with international superstars like Hisham El Hajj, and developed Lifeforce: Nafs نَفس, a full-length stage experience fusing Levantine dance, music, and storytelling. Also a serial entrepreneur and empowerment speaker, he is dedicated to awakening inspiration, motivation, and connectedness on the stage and beyond.
“Dance is a powerful way to remember who we are—and to find each other again.”
Dance
- The driving unity, passion, & statement of Dabke.
- The elegance, fluidity, & masterful control of belly dance.
Music
- Percussion that speaks in heartbeats.
- A mix of beloved favorites and diamond-in-the-rough tracks curated to surprise and delight.
- Live orchestral accompaniment elevating the night.
Setting
- In-the-round staging in this special setting brings you feet from the performers—no fourth wall, just pure shared energy.
Catered Meet-and-Greet Reception
- After the performance, mingle with those you shared the experience with, meet the performers, and savor a tasting menu of authentic Lebanese dishes—a final note of cultural hospitality and home.
Click/tap the arrow next to each item to learn more about its cultural context.
The soundscape of Lifeforce: Nafs نَفس blends beloved Middle Eastern classics with rare musical treasures—each chosen for its emotion, rhythm, and storytelling power. These pieces carry audiences through joy, reflection, and celebration.
- Ghenwa Nemnom — Echoes of the Temple (Live at Baalbeck Festival 2021)
- Hassan Abou El So’oud — Shik Shak Shok
- Sarah Al Badawiyah — Walla Latlaʿ ʿa Lebnan
- Amr Diab — Nour El Ain
- Fares Karam — ʿAl ʿEen Molayeteen
- Solace — Naga
- Ibrahim Al Masri — Bint L’Arab
- Melhem Zein — Alawah (Instrumental)
- Tony Mouzayek — Bahiya
- Yahia Sweis — Allah Yostor
- Nassif Zeytoun — Sabrak Alaya
- Enes Hari — Yallah (Traditional song — original name & author unknown)
Together, these melodies form the heartbeat of Lifeforce: Nafs—a live conversation between rhythm and spirit, musicians and movement, culture and community.
This event was made possible with financial support from the Office of the Dean of Arts & Sciences and with administrative support from the Dean’s Office, the Department of Theatre & Dance, and technical support from the Modlin Center for the Arts and the Department of Theatre & Dance.
Special Thanks
Paul Brohan, Director of Modlin Center for the Arts
Olivier Delers, former Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance
Cindy Glavas, Director of Financial Planning & Operations
Patricia Herrera, Professor of Theatre; Associate Dean, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Erica Hughes, Teaching Faculty and Production Manager in Department of Theatre and Dance
Annaka Meadows, Marketing Manager, Modlin Center for the Arts
Shannon Millisor, Event Manager, Events and Support Services
Sarah Orr, Assistant Director of Financial Planning & Operations
Michael Warchol, Director of Communications for the Arts
Maja White, Associate Professor of Theatre, Co-Chair of Department of Theatre and Dance
Jawfox Productions
St. Anthony’s Maronite Church
The Richmond community and everyone who helped bring this night to life!
Thank you for sharing this evening with us. If tonight moved you, carry it forward—we hope to have shared an experience and enhanced understanding of the beautiful Levantine/Middle Eastern culture. Tell a friend, bring someone to the next show, and keep the rhythm alive.
Connect with MKH Dabke & Middle Eastern Dance Entertainment
Website: www.wearemkh.com/mkh-dabke-entertainment
Instagram: @mphabibi
Booking & Inquiries: MKHDabke@gmail.com
