2023 Workshop Topics
Melodious Baladi
Baladi (also spelled baladi or balady) is a style of music and dance that originated in Egypt. The term "baladi" translates to "my country" or "my village" in Arabic, and the music and dance reflect the folk traditions of rural Egypt.
Baladi music is characterized by its simple rhythms and melodies, typically played on traditional Arabic instruments such as the oud, tabla, and flute. The music often includes vocalists who sing in a style known as "Tarab," which involves emotional and expressive singing that aims to evoke a strong emotional response from the listener.
Overall, baladi is a vibrant and dynamic art form that continues to evolve and thrive in Egypt and beyond. Whether you are a fan of traditional folk music and dance or you simply enjoy the energy and emotion of live performance, baladi is definitely worth exploring.
Dramatic Mejance
Mejance (also spelled as mizance or mizmar) belly dance is a style of belly dance that is characterized by its use of the mejwiz or mizmar, a double-pipe, single-reed woodwind instrument commonly used in traditional Middle Eastern music. This style of belly dance is often associated with the Egyptian baladi style of music and dance.
Mejance belly dance is typically performed in a slow, sensual manner that is meant to complement the haunting sound of the mejwiz. Dancers often incorporate fluid, undulating movements of the hips, torso, and arms, as well as shimmies and other traditional belly dance movements.
Mejance belly dance is often performed in a solo or small group setting, with dancers often wearing traditional belly dance costumes such as a bedlah or a baladi dress. The slow, sensual movements of the dance are meant to convey a sense of emotional intensity and connection, and the use of live music adds an element of spontaneity and improvisation to the performance.
Drum Solo
A belly dance drum solo is a performance in which the dancer performs a solo dance to the accompaniment of a drum or a percussion instrument. It is a popular and exciting part of belly dance performances, particularly in Middle Eastern and North African cultures.
The drum solo is typically performed towards the end of a belly dance performance and is designed to showcase the dancer's skills and technique. The drum solo often begins with a slow, steady rhythm that gradually increases in speed and complexity, allowing the dancer to showcase a variety of movements and shimmies.
The drum solo may also feature improvisation, with the dancer and drummer reacting to each other's movements and rhythms in real time. This adds an element of spontaneity and excitement to the performance, and allows the dancer to showcase their creativity and individuality.
Sadie's Kick Ass Drills & Luscious Layers
Layering is a technique in belly dance that involves performing multiple movements or isolation's simultaneously, creating a complex and visually striking effect. It is often used to add texture and depth to a dance performance, and requires a high level of coordination and control from the dancer.
One common example of layering in belly dance is combining hip and chest isolation's. This involves moving the hips in a figure-eight motion while also performing chest isolation's, which involve contracting and releasing the chest muscles. The two movements can be performed at different speeds and in opposite directions, creating a complex and dynamic effect.
Overall, layering is a powerful and versatile technique in belly dance, and can add depth, texture, and visual interest to a dance performance. It requires a high level of skill and control from the dancer, but with practice and dedication, it can be a rewarding and exciting aspect of belly dance.
Samba Fusion
Samba Belly Dance Fusion is a style of dance that combines elements of Brazilian samba and Middle Eastern belly dance. This fusion dance style often features high-energy, fast-paced movements inspired by samba, as well as fluid, sinuous movements inspired by belly dance.
Samba is a popular dance style that originated in Brazil and is characterized by its rhythmic, lively music and energetic movements. Belly dance, on the other hand, is a traditional Middle Eastern dance form that emphasizes fluid, undulating movements of the hips and torso.
When these two styles are combined, the result is a unique and dynamic dance form that showcases the strengths of each style. Samba Belly Dance Fusion can be performed solo or as a group, and often incorporates props such as veils, fans, and feathered headdresses.