Raqs Sharqi covers a very wide spectrum of styles. Within Classical (or Sharqi) there are subtle but distinct forms. However they can be classified into two main styles – modern and courtly.
Modern This term is used to describe the dance that developed in the mid 20 century particularly during the time when Cairo was the film making centre of the Arab world. The films were a popular platform for talented and much loved dancers to perform to music by modern composers of that time such as Farid el Atrach and Mohammed Abdel Wahab who were greatly influenced by western instruments and rhythms Stylistically too the dance reflected western concepts, as for example in its use of horizontal space (as on a stage) and the extension of the arms (as in ballet). The dancer expanded her way of dancing in response to the full sound of a large orchestra which often contained newly introduced western instruments tuned to quarter tone.
The classical form continues to develop. Several dancers today are integrating it into contemporary dance by using the principles of Raqs Sharqi and therefore keeping an essential traditional Egyptian quality, an intriguing and fascinating combination.
Courtly This is a newly coined term describing dancing to traditional Egyptian classical music. The music reminds us of the ta’ht ensemble, a five piece band with old instruments such as the kanun (zither), nay (bamboo flute played diagonally), rek ( tabourine often without cymbals), darabuka and large framed hand-held drum. The dancer responds to the contained, subtle and richly varied musical themes with intricate delicate hip movements and elegantly framing arms.
