Dahne
Atlanta, GA
Dahne
Dance Styles
What is raqs Sharqi?
Raqs Sharqi translates as "The Dance of The East", or "Oriental Dance", although only Egyptian dance is technically Raqs Sharqi.This dance is pre-Islamic and is an oral tradition which has changed over the centuries. Some people believe that it originated as a fertility or Goddess worshipping dance, and in North Africa it can still be used to help during childbirth. It combines a powerful grounded feel with the ability to express the subtleties of the music through strong technique. Improvisation is used a lot, and it is incredibly exciting to see the musicians and dancer sparking off eachother.Egyptian Sharqi
This type of dance is the most refined form of Egyptian music and dance. The composer Omar Faruk Tekbilek has created beautiful classical music with a Turkish feel, and Mohamed Abdul Wahab Egyptian classics. Instruments such as violin, ney, and qanoon are used to good effect. This style is more balletic, with smaller movements, isolation and lyrical, expressive arms and upper torso. A veil may be used, floating behind the dancer. Its style is more detached from the audience and spiritual at its best. Unfortunately it is not really seen in Egypt.The arms in Sharqi are straighter and more expressive, describing slow, airy patterns around the dancer. Sharqi is more of a theatre dance, requiring space for large gliding steps and spins. The dancer can go very low down, in a wider stance than other styles of Egyptian dance. Courtly classical is a variation which is more sensual, with heavier elbows.Baladi
Means literally "from the country" is urbanised folk, developed early this century when people migrated to the cities, bringing their music and dance with them. The music became more sophisticated and instruments such as the accordian (altered to give it quarter tones) and saxophone were used. Baladi dance is less raw than folk, with more showy costumes and more variety in steps. The elbows are heavy, with arms tending to frame the heart and hips, or placed on the head. Mostafa Sax does nice Baladi music. The "Achra Baladi", or 10 part Baladi, is a traditional form which live musicians might play. In recorded music it rarely has ten parts. Some of the parts include Tahmelah (introduction), Taqsim (improvisation), Awaadi (tabla, instruments and dancer swaying together) and the Tet when the drum speeds up near the end.Shaabi
Not to be confused with Shaabiyya, this is a modern style danced to Egyptian music such as Hakim and is similar to Algerian Rai in that it is music for young people and often political. It has been compared to rap music in its rebelliousness although increasingly the lyrics are about love and therefore more acceptable to the majority.What is a bellygram?
A Bellygram is a short performance by a belly dancer ranging from 10 to 15 minutes in length. A Bellygram is also a great way of delivering a gift or a message to a guest of honor. This exciting performance is sure to liven up any party and surprise the guest of honor!
Dahne
Atlanta, GA
Dahne
