> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.cascadepbs.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Syrian dancer escaped ISIS and found freedom through ballet
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/newshour/extras/dancing-to-live-1790361817/
- Published: 2026-09-26T00:31:29.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-26T01:00:48.000Z
- Description: Syrian dancer reflects on escaping ISIS and finding freedom through ballet
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: PBS News Hour, #ZZZ_Show_fe87d6dc-6a0c-4ffb-800c-e787276ea730, #v1.7, #ZZZ_Extra_836e860f-5b5c-49fb-a460-44fd7d15b47d, #extra

Ahmad Joudeh is a ballet dancer of unusual grace and grit. He was born stateless in a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, Syria. He has traveled far on the power of his dreams and the elegance of his dance. He survived a traumatic childhood, much of Syria's civil war and constant threats of execution by ISIS. We met Joudeh in his new home in San Diego.