Dancing from a War Torn Past: Arend Ahmad Joudeh

Ahmad Joudeh is a Syrian-Dutch ballet dancer and choreographer born in the Yarmouk refugee camp near Damascus. Growing up stateless, he pursued dance despite societal and familial opposition, studying at Syria’s Enana Dance Theatre and the Damascus Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts. In 2016, he moved to the Netherlands with support from the Dutch National Ballet, later obtaining Dutch citizenship in 2021. His life and art were featured in the Emmy-winning documentary Dance or Die, which highlighted his resilience and commitment to peace through dance. Joudeh is also an advocate for children’s rights and refugees, serving as an International Friend for SOS Children’s Villages and a high-profile supporter for UNHCR. I spoke with this dynamic artist about his journey:

Tell me about your dance journey?
My journey started in Damascus, Syria. I was eight years old when I first felt that dance was something I couldn’t live without. I grew up in Yarmouk, a refugee camp where life was difficult and dancing was seen as taboo for boys. But I couldn’t ignore the pull I felt toward it. Even though my community didn’t understand, I trained in secret — on rooftops, in my room, then I joined the local dance company Enana Dance theater at the age 16 and started my professional ballet training. Dance was the only way I could express what I was going through. It became my escape, and later, my purpose.

You have studied multiple dance forms, which is your favorite?
Ballet and Contemporary dance is my main language. It’s honest, raw, and limitless. It gives me the freedom to express everything I’ve been through — the pain, the hope, the memories. But I’m also deeply moved by performing the Sufi dance — the whirling feels like a spiritual connection beyond words. I often mix the two in my performances because they both reflect who I am: someone caught between tradition and transformation.

In many Middle Eastern countries, dance for men isn’t looked at positively. What is your take on that?
That’s absolutely true — and I’ve lived that reality. As a boy in Syria, I was mocked, threatened, even abused by my father because I chose to dance. In many Middle Eastern cultures, dance is still considered something inappropriate for men, which is heartbreaking. But I kept going. Because dance is not a weakness — it’s a strength. It’s not about gender. It’s about truth. I hope my journey helps change that perception, especially for young boys who dream like I once did.

Tell us more about your documentary project ‘Dance or Die’.
Dance or Die began as a personal message — words I tattooed on the back of my neck in Hindi as paying respect to Lord Shiva the dancing God while I was still in Syria, living under constant threat. It became my way of saying: “If I can’t dance, I’d rather not live.” Later, it became a powerful movement — a documentary by the Dutch director Roozbe Kaboly and won an international Emmy Award 2019, sharing my story with the world.
I also wrote a memoir, Dance or Die: From Stateless Refugee to International Ballet Star, which tells my full journey — not just the struggles but also the beauty of finding freedom through art.
Dance or Die is no longer just my story — it’s a message for anyone fighting to be seen, to be heard, to be free.

Now live in Europe, how is the dance scene?
I am now based in Amsterdam. The dance scene here is full of life and possibility. Artists are supported and encouraged, and I’ve had the freedom to grow at the Dutch national ballet or as a freelancer and collaborate with incredible people. Compared to the Middle East, it’s a completely different world. Back home, many dancers have to hide, and opportunities are so limited. But the passion is there. My dream is to help build bridges between these two worlds — so that one day, no artist in the Middle East has to choose between safety and expression.

What do you have to say about Indian dance forms?
I have not been to India yet, but I truly hope to visit. I am fascinated by Indian classical dance — the grace, the storytelling, the discipline. Whether it’s Bharatanatyam, Kathak, or Odissi, there’s such deep meaning in every gesture. I have watched many performances and I am always inspired. I would love to collaborate with Indian artists and learn more — I think our traditions could speak beautifully to each other.

You have performed in many shows. Which one has been most special?
Each performance holds a piece of my heart, but two really stand out. Performing at the Eurovision Netherlands 2021 second semifinal was an unforgettable moment — it felt like I was standing for all the people who couldn’t be there, dancing for hope on one of the world’s biggest stages. Another was dancing among the ancient ruins of Palmyra for the Dance or Die documentary. It was haunting and powerful — in Syria, in a place destroyed by war, and reclaim it through dance. That moment will stay with me forever.

How does it feel to be a global award winner artist?
Awards are never my goal — dancing itself has always been the reward. But I’m honored that my story has been recognized. The Dance or Die documentary won an Emmy Award, which meant so much to me because it showed that art born from struggle can reach across the world. I also received the peace Award in the Netherlands. Also the refugee award in Milan Italy but, the most meaningful recognition is when someone tells me my story gave them hope — that’s what keeps me going.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on sandipsoparrkar06@gmail.com