BDC, together with Michele Assaf of World Dance Movement and Alissar Caracalla of Caracalla Dance School and Caracalla Dance Theater in Beirut, Lebanon, have created a series of online classes to fundraise and support Lebanon. Together we are stronger. 

The devastation in Beirut is of a scale previously unknown for a civilian explosion, with over 300,000 made instantly homeless and many more finding their livelihoods shattered – including artists, performers and creatives in the region’s once-thriving cultural community.

Concern Worldwide, a global humanitarian disaster relief organization, has been working in Beirut since 2013, and their expert staff mobilized quickly in the blast-affected areas, helping with cleanup as well as providing emergency shelter kits, hygiene “dignity kits” and PPE to thousands whose lives were devastated in an instant. In addition to this immediate response, Concern is well aware of the psychological impact a traumatic event like this can have on those affected, which is why they’re initiating psycho-social support interventions while also simultaneously planning for more longer-term programming to rebuild livelihoods. Their team is also embedded and working closely with several local civil society volunteer groups to provide technical support and expertise to help the society rebuild. For questions about Concern Worldwide, please contact Kathleen Felesina, Development Director at Concern Worldwide US.

Concern’s work requires an urgent need for resources to continue their response to this unexpected disaster in an area already working to contain suffering from COVID-19 outbreaks and a years-long refugee crisis.

BDC will be hosting a series of live-stream classes to support Concern Worldwide’s initiatives.  Class proceeds will be donated directly to Concern Worldwide.

Faculty subject to change at any time