Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Aisha Ali: Gypsy & Tribal Dances of the Middle East & North Africa

EVENT:Aisha Ali: Gypsy & Tribal Dances of the Middle East & North Africa
DATE & TIME:
Saturday, February 21, 2009 2:00pm - 4:30pm
LOCATION:American Dance Institute
1570 E. Jefferson St. Rockville, MD
COST: Register for BOTH DAYS (4-Hour Workshop each day with 30 minute break) - ONLY $150 BEFORE January 20, 2009!
After January 20, Fee for both workshops is $175.
Single day registration is $90.00.
DETAILS:

You don't want to miss this special 2-day intensive with Aisha Ali! Internationally recognized authority on the dances of Egypt and North Africa, Aisha traveled to the Middle East in 1971 to observe firsthand many traditional styles of dances not seen in the United States. She made subsequent visits to Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia from 1973 to 1997 to document folkloric materials that were fast disappearing. In 1973, she stayed among the Ouled Nail in Algeria, a tribe famous for its dancing women. Over the years she has frequently danced at celebrations in Egypt with the Banat Maazin, a Nawar gypsy family of Ghawazee. In the United States, Aisha directed the North African performers at the Los Angeles Olympics opening festival in 1984.

SATURDAY (2pm-6:30pm): GHAWAZEE: Includes brief history of the Nawar and the Halab, playing segat, interpreting the music, discussion of traditional and modern costuming, movement technique and styling, shimmies, Beladi Stick dance—Saidi, Beladi Et Teit —Delta, plus rare video footage of the Nawar
*PLEASE BRING SEGAT (finger cymbals) TO THIS CLASS! If you do not have any, let us know ahead of time, I may have a few extra pairs available.

SUNDAY (12pm-4:30pm): OULED NAÏL (Algeria): brief history of the tribe, their customs & costumes, movement techniques, impromptu dance session
SHIKHAT DANCE (Morocco): brief history of the dancers, movement techniques, impromptu dance session
MOTREB DANCE (Iran): brief talk about the dancers, their costumes, movement techniques, impromptu dance session. Students will need a veil for this class. I will have a few extra on hand in case anyone forgets!

Register for BOTH DAYS (4-Hour Workshop each day with 30 minute break) - ONLY $150 BEFORE January 20, 2009!
After January 20, Fee for both workshops is $175.
Single day registration is $90.00.
To register online: www.wmfolklifecenter.org/register
For more information on Aisha Ali:
www.aisha-ali.com