The structures and temples of Baalbek swayed lightly with bodies that danced, giving Lebanon a chance to dance through its pain at the opening of the Baalbek International Festivals with Italian ballet dancer Roberto Bolle. Bolle performed his dances on the steps of the Temple of Bacchus, which transformed into a rare artistic tableau with bodies merging under dazzling lights. Bolle liberated himself from the constraints of enclosed walls as he loves to dance in open air and interact with the audience at every performance and movement, receiving warm applause in return.
The Italian government contributed to the restoration of the site within the Temple of Bacchus and the six columns of the Temple of Jupiter, which are classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. This dance performance was organized in partnership with the Italian embassy in Lebanon.
Roberto Bolle is considered one of the most famous ballet dancers in the world and is dubbed the "new Nureyev" in reference to the famous Soviet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, according to festival vice president Jumana Dabani. Bolle rose to international fame when he decided to move from enclosed venues to open-air locations and cultural heritage sites. The star of La Scala in Milan began the festival's opening night with a performance that included ballet and contemporary dance pieces alongside an international team of professional dancers. Dressed in red and black, and colors reflecting the night of Baalbek, the dancers presented coordinated tableaux to classical music.
Festival president Nayla Doufrih noted that "this year's season brings back the international atmosphere to the festival," adding, "When Roberto Bolle came to Baalbek, he was amazed by the place, temples, and Roman structures, and he told us that perhaps they don't have beautiful temples like ours in Lebanon." She affirmed that she aims to highlight Lebanon's diversity through various performances, stating, "It is a miracle to be here with this audience amid these crises, and we will continue to hold them as a challenge to all conditions."
Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bashir Khodor, after attending the first night, said it was "the first dance performance held at the festival in ten years." He added to Reuters, "The performance was magnificent, the dancers of world-class level, in addition to the beauty of the location that made the show even better, and the audience was familiar with this type of art." Khodor considered that "Lebanon's difficult economic situation took a temporary leave," saying, "There is a need and thirst for joy, and for a break, even for a short time, from our bitter reality, along with the urgent need for such activities due to their positive impact on the economic cycle in Baalbek."
On July 7, the festival will host a Spanish-Lebanese musical concert titled "Roots in Our Hands from Spain and Lebanon," conducted by artist Nasha Arimani, who has crafted an innovative work combining Eastern music and flamenco, featuring a Spanish dancer and Lebanese singer Fabienne Daher, along with the University of Saint Joseph choir conducted by Yasmina Sabbah, in partnership with the Spanish embassy. Lebanese artist Melhem Zein, known as "the prince of Lebanese singing," will perform on July 14. The festival will conclude on July 16, with French artist Imani performing several songs accompanied by eight cellists.
