Photo by Mark Robinson 2005
In these workshops we will explore the two ends of the rich spectrum of Egyptian Dance.
SAIIDI, the dance of the people of Upper Egypt (around Luxor), that is where we will begin on Saturday. Darabuka, Rababa, Mizmar, instruments unchanged over time, will earth us, encourage us to feel the ground beneath our feet, the whole body responding to the energy of the driving, pulsating rhythms and haunting, evocative melodies. It links us to an ancient Egyptian tradition.
Sunday’s CLASSICAL ( SHARQI) workshop will take us to the other end of the spectrum – and even further as we learn the charismatic, refined expression of the COURTLY style of the Classical form. This was a style developed by Suraya Hilal in the 1980s and 90s and therefore could be considered ‘modern’. However, as there are practically no records of how women danced to the old classical music of the Arab world we have to assume that the movements that were used were those that best expressed the delicacy of the Kanoun (zither) and Riq (small frame drum). It is a beautifully refined and very feminine style in which the dancer can be exquisitely simple in her dance or intricately inventive according to her mood.
Earthy and exuberant Saiidi in Hamburg in 2012. Photo by Madou Reynaud
There are still places!! Cost 100 Euros for both days, or one day by arrangement with Linda Mameri
