Question 1

Can the zaffeh start at the bride’s or groom’s house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can perform the zaffeh at the bride’s house, the groom’s house, the venue, or all three on the same day.

Question 2

What is a zaffeh?

Accepted Answer

The zaffeh (also spelled zaffe, zaffa, zeffa or zaffah) is the traditional Arab wedding procession: drummers and chanters who escort the couple into the hall.

Question 3

What is dabke?

Accepted Answer

Dabke (also spelled dabka, debka or dabkeh) is an Arab folk dance that originated in Bilad al-Sham (Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon) and is popular across most of the Arab world. A group dances it in a line, swinging their legs and stomping their feet in sync. The steps change from country to country and village to village, and of the many types of dabke, the Shamaliyah has always been the best known and most performed. We perform it as a choreographed show, as a freestyle line that pulls your guests onto the floor, or both back to back. Whoever dances it, it has always been the most exciting part of every wedding or event.

Question 4

How long does a zaffeh performance last?

Accepted Answer

A zaffeh entrance runs 5 to 20 minutes with a minimum of five performers. A dabke performance runs 10 to 25 minutes: a 10 minute choreographed set plus 15 minutes of interactive audience freestyle.

Question 5

How much space does the dabke troupe need?

Accepted Answer

For our zaffehs, we kindly request a clear processional path from point A to point B (ex: entrance to dance floor) and enough room for our drummers and chanters to freely perform and move. For dabke, the more space the better. As a reference, a 6-man line is comfortable on a 20x20 dance floor.

Question 6

Do you coordinate with our DJ and venue?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We reach out to all necessary individuals as soon as possible to ensure timelines, arrival, and an overall plan are sorted out. We communicate often to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Question 7

Can you perform outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, though instruments, chants and clapping don’t carry as well outdoors as they do indoors, since they aren’t amplified.

Question 8

What is the deposit policy?

Accepted Answer

A 50% deposit holds your date, and the remaining balance is due 48 hours before the event.

Question 9

How do travel fees work?

Accepted Answer

Travel expenses are included in each quote.

Question 10

Can you accommodate religious or cultural requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When submitting a request form, please list any requirements or accommodations you would like and we’d be happy to discuss what can be done.

Question 11

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

On average, most clients book 2 to 8 months ahead. Summer weekends go quickly. If availability permits, the team can be split to accommodate multiple bookings in one day.

Question 12

What is the difference between a zaffeh and dabke?

Accepted Answer

The zaffeh (zaffe, zaffa, zeffa) is the processional entrance that escorts the couple into the hall. Dabke (dabka, debka, dabkeh) is the Levantine line dance performed during and after the procession, usually with guests joining in.

Question 13

Do you provide your own music and sound?

Accepted Answer

The zaffeh is fully live with our instruments and chanting, so no music or sound system is required. For dabke, a sound system is required and we will provide our tracks ahead of time for setup.

Question 14

Do you offer mizmar or bagpipes?

Accepted Answer

Not directly — we do not carry mizmar or bagpipe players on the team. We do work with two independently contracted players, and when their schedule allows they join us for an additional cost to cover their travel and fees. Mention it when you request a quote and we will check their availability for your date.

Question 15

How is a zaffeh priced?

Accepted Answer

Every event is quoted individually rather than sold from a price list. The quote depends on how many performers you want, which services you book, how long the set runs, your date and day of week, the venue and its load-in, and travel from Seattle. Send your details and you get a written quote as soon as possible.

Question 16

How do we book Seattle Dabke?

Accepted Answer

Fill out the performance request form with your date, city, venue and the services you are considering. We reply as soon as possible with a written quote. A 50% deposit holds the date, and the timeline is finalized closer to the event.

Question 17

How many performers come to a zaffeh?

Accepted Answer

Five performers is the minimum for a zaffeh entrance. Larger weddings usually book more, a dabke performance is typically 4+ dancers, and a drummers-only grand entrance can run with as few as two.

Question 18

Do you perform outside Washington state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are based in Seattle, WA and have performed in more than 30 U.S. states and in multiple countries. Travel expenses are included in every quote.

Question 19

Can the zaffeh be a surprise for the couple?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it often doubles as a surprise for guests as well. We coordinate cues quietly with whoever is in on it and stay out of sight until the entrance.

{{ h1 }}

{{ allHeading }}