This web page is sponsored by ASTARTE GALLERY to honour the joy and brilliance of CARACALLA DANCE THEATRE, and the memory of Pauline Clark, lover of the Dance and all great art.
ABDUL-HALIM CARACALLA was born in Baalbek, Lebanon. His early training was with the Folklore Dance Festival in Dijon, France and then with the London School of Contemporary Dance. He was choreographer for the International Festival of Baalbek from 1967-1974 and afterwards formed his own company in 1970. Caracalla won the Said Aki award for the Best Artist of the Year in 1973, he also was honoured by the patronage of His Majesty the Late King Hussein of Jordan for his ballet "THE BLACK TENTS OF ARABIA" in 1977.
Black Tents brought the Caracalla Dance to London and Sadlers Wells Theatre for the first time in 1978 and it was joyfully acclaimed there as a revelation of dance, energy, spirit and inspiration. Dance lovers immediately responded to the music, movement and personality of the Company.
CARACALLA's achievement has been phenomenal: to found a company, create the choreography, train the dancers, design the costumes and decors, arrange the music and break fresh ground - as well as receiving international acclaim- all in a few years - is a truly incredible feat, and reveals an amazing artistic energy. He remains a gracious modest man. He has a wonderful family to support him.
Bert Stimmel played a great part as Artistic Director... not to mention his loveable stage presence. Abdul's handsome brother Omar Caracalla (one time long-jump champion of Lebanon) is a huge audience favourite and can be relied upon to raise the roof with his performances at every show.
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Each ballet is a gloriously enjoyable feast of ever changing music, colour and movement, and great fun. Yet the philosophy behind the Company is a dedicated one. Caracalla's inspiration is lodged in the gathering together of cultures, and the spreading of the unity of dance expression in all nations.
All life is UNITY. Past, Present and Future are One. We all belong to this great family of humanity, it is all here in the Dance. See it, join in the rhythms, enjoy this unique experience whenever it comes your way.
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Caracalla photographs and "History" taken with thanks from the theatre programmes, no infringements intended .
Text by Audrey G Davies, © ASTARTE GALLERY.