Music Interpretation and Choreography Workshops
Would you like to learn more about how to
understand music so you can interpret it visually? My choreography
workshops focus on a particular piece of music, with
diagrams showing how to break down the music by rhythm and
melody so you understand the concepts behind the choreography.
I have many other choreographed dances available to learn that
aren't listed here. These classes are 2 - 3 hours.
- Ba'id Anak: Combinations,
concepts for the Entrance, beledi, and taqasim sections that
form the traditional Oriental solo; using a short excerpt
from "Ba'id Anak" (by Samir Srour), a popular Oriental dance
piece.
- Layali Pop: Music Interpretation
and Choreography to a fun hit song; features strong hip
action, travel step combos and hip accents.
- Zeina: A beautiful solo
choreography to Hossam Ramzy's rendition of an old favorite
explored and broken down; we'll focus on Music
Interpretation on a practical level, not just theory. The
goal is that you can understand why certain movements and
steps are more suitable than others, a MUST for
choreographers. Also includes concepts for structuring your
improvisation during the taqsim section.
- Village Dance: Earthy styling to
funky Bedouin music "of the Qaria" (village), field
recording released by Ibrahim Farrah. This folkloric dance
can incorporate cane or sagat.
- Improvise With Ease!
Unlock the mystery of improvisation
with tips and tricks, strategies and concepts that help you
think on your feet while dancing. You'll hear music in a new
way! We'll do exercises using these simple secrets, and take
time to answer any questions you have on improvising or
hearing the music.
- Combos to Arabic Rhythms
(2 hours) Masmoudi, beledi, ayub: THE most popular rhythms
in Arabic/Egyptian dance music. Learn combinations that
integrate you into the rhythm. Can be performed as a solo or
duet (includes staging suggestions); optional finger cymbal
patterns also. Additional class on Mideast percussion (1
hour): learn strokes and the "Big 4/4" patterns on doumbeks,
tars, and riqs. (Limited instruments available to share)
- Dance Combinations (2 hours)
Simple yet elegant Oriental Dance combinations to various
rhythms and tempos, including taqasim concepts. Can be
adapted for prop dancing (veil, sword, cane, sagat) also.
All combinations are listed on my Dance Combinations pages.
- Advanced level: Dance With Finger
Cymbals (2 hours) Intermediate skill level
required) Another unique and fun dance. Short but impressive
solo dance choreography with finger cymbals - without music!
Learn interesting cymbal patterns and distinctive touches,
integrated with elegant combinations. Also available to
learn online here: Short
Finger Cymbal Solo.
No one should pay workshop prices for an
exercise class! I believe dance workshops should feature
dancing, not an exercise routine. So instead of a 30 to 40
minute exercise session, I start my workshops with a short
warmup of 10 to 15 minutes, and the warmup relates to the dance
moves in the workshop. In fact, the warmup prepares you for
dancing by using footstep patterns, arm positions and
movements, breath work, self-relaxation techniques; all while
relating the movements to the timing of the music.
Contact me to
discuss your workshop ideas; and for my fee information see Workshop Fees.
Topics for
General Audiences
Introduction
to Oriental (belly) Dance (Lecture Demonstration,
approximately 30 minutes)
A brief history of this traditional
women's dance of the Mideast; instruction in the basic
isolations, movements and foot-patterns (active
participation); followed by short performance.
Introduction
to Belly Dance (1 hour)
Tired of the same old exercise
routine? This class starts with a "belly-robics" warmup, then
you'll follow me in dance moves to exotic music. I'll show you
easy belly dance moves and combinations you can do right away!
See why so many women (and men) love belly dancing - it
increases your flexibility and muscle tone while you have fun
Suitable for all body types.