Enkidu Company of Mohanned Hawaz dancing Kurdish Iraqi dance for ARIA Festival

Enkidu Company for 9th edition of ARIA Festival 16th December 2023- Teatro Cielo D'Alcamo, Alcamo Art director Helena Russo- Organized by asdc Hathor The troupe Enkidu was founded in 2010 by Iraqi artist Mohanned Hawaz and Swedish dancer Martina Von Schwerin in Gothenburg, Sweden and consist of prominent musicians and dancers. Mohanned was determined to bring Iraqi style dances and culture to the international community and to preserve the work of the Iraqi National Troupe and its founders Hannah Abdullah, Rita John, Nahida Ali, Hassan Sadon, Suleiman Mohammed , Nour Al Din Jasim. Enkidu is based in Sweden and in Italy and in addition to the head choreographer and director Mohanned Hawaz the company also work with Iraqi choreographer Adel Al-Aibi and Swedish choreographer and assistant trainer for Swedish school Hanna Thorstensen, for Italian School Helena Russo. The troups musician's are all international artist, amongst them is Saad Suhail Abd playing the Zurna, Mutbij and Naqarra instruments, Saleem Salim a composer and Oudist as well as a long time member of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra, vocals Mohammed El-Araab and Shadi Abazid playing Al-rababih Enkidu has performed Iraqi folkloric style dances and music all over the world and have won The Best Performance award in Shanghai, China 2014. In 2023 Enkidu officially presented Iraq with a dance show at UNESCO in Paris at the 75 year Celebration of Iraqs Membership in UNESCO together with the Iraqi Ministry of Culture, The Iraqi Traditional National Orchestra lead by Maestro Alaa Majeed and the famous Oud player and UNESCO ambassador Naseer Shama. Enkidu Company believes that people come together through dance, moving as one, regardless of their backgrounds. It fosters a sense of unity and harmony, promoting a shared experience that transcends divisions and promotes understanding. Dance is important for the world to heal and for giving peace a chance.