Kate doesn't perform so often these days, but Susan Tonner of Katra and Twisted Tails posted this video of her dancing in Edinburgh a few weeks ago, in a special event featuring Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. This is a lovely example of the Raqs Sharqi Society style of Baladi - simple, sweet and melodic; with patterns in space and geometric motifs.
Showing posts with label Raqs Sharqi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raqs Sharqi. Show all posts
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Kate's Baladi
Kate Deacon is a Scottish teacher of Raqs Sharqi style Egyptian Dance. She runs several classes in the Borders and Lanarkshire. She originally trained with my teacher Lorne McCall and I think she's a beautiful dancer.
Kate doesn't perform so often these days, but Susan Tonner of Katra and Twisted Tails posted this video of her dancing in Edinburgh a few weeks ago, in a special event featuring Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. This is a lovely example of the Raqs Sharqi Society style of Baladi - simple, sweet and melodic; with patterns in space and geometric motifs.
Kate doesn't perform so often these days, but Susan Tonner of Katra and Twisted Tails posted this video of her dancing in Edinburgh a few weeks ago, in a special event featuring Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Belly Dance. This is a lovely example of the Raqs Sharqi Society style of Baladi - simple, sweet and melodic; with patterns in space and geometric motifs.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Baladi Blues Band - Live Arabic Music in Edinburgh
On Sunday 5th February 2012, I am hosting the Baladi Blues Ensemble, live in Edinburgh, for a day of Egyptian Dance.
All the details, including bookings information, venue, directions and accommodation info are on my website.
The aim of this event is to bring live music and Egyptian Dance to communities that might not otherwise get the chance to experience it. That’s why we have arranged a free taster workshop as part of the day. And that’s also why we’ve kept the cost of participation very low – thanks to the generous sponsorship of NADA, the Northern Arabic Dance Association.
Baladi Blues Ensemble
The Baladi Blues Ensemble plays the urban Egyptian dance music known as Baladi. Skillful accordion and saxophone improvisations, energised by powerful Egyptian rhythms give the Baladi Blues Ensemble its distinctive sound. Their music reflects the sophisticated and fast paced, urban lifestyle of 1950’s Cairo - all offered with a charming and enigmatic stage presence.
The group is led by renowned percussionist, Guy Schalom, and features legendary quarter-tone accordionist Sheik Taha (Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Ahmed Adaweya, Fifi Abdou, and Tahia Cariocca), saxophonist Ahmed El Saidi (Ali Hassan Kuban, Shams Hussein, Salamat) and master percussionist Hassan Reevis (Abdel Halim Hafez, Ahmed Adaweya). The band also features frame drum wizard Adam Warne.
Venue
The venue is the Forth View Suite at the David Lloyd Club, Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour, EH6 4LX. Venue details, map, transport etc. information is available here.
Day
The day will feature:
Starts 7:30, cost: £5! (LAST FEW TICKETS)
This unmissable concert and party will feature authentic live music from the fabulous Baladi Blues Ensemble, along with dance performances and lots of time to boogie with the band!
A fantastic evening of live music, featuring performances from me, Lorne, Espeth, Kerimeh, Anna and Edinburgh's longest established Egyptian Dance troupe Daughters of Isis.
Tickets are selling very quickly for this event, advanced booking is advised.
FREE Egyptian Belly Dance taster workshop for Beginners
2:00 till 3:00, cost: FREE
A fun, free, accessible dance workshop suitable for all ages and abilities. This will be a fun filled introduction to Egyptian Dance for complete Beginners, brought to you by Dance Base's Elspeth SwishandHips.
To join the FREE workshop, either reserve your place in advance or simply turn up on the day,
The Spirit of Baladi - Live music workshop for Dancers
3:00 till 5:00 (SOLD OUT)
I am teaching a workshop for dancers on "the Spirit of Baladi", accompanied by Baladi Blues band leader Guy Schalom on Egyptian Tabla and master accordion player Sheikh Taha - an opportunity to learn to connect with and dance to traditional Egyptian music, melody and rhythm, and to explore moving the soulful sound of Baladi accordion - played by one of the leading musicians of this incredible art form.
Bookings
To book, go to bookings page on my website and follow the instructions.
For evening tickets, all reservations will only be held if secured by full payment (you can pay via PayPal) and the last date for Advanced Bookings and Payment is Friday 3rd February.
If any evening tickets remain after 3rd February than these will be sold on the day on a first come, first served basis.
 |
| Day of Dance Flyer |
The aim of this event is to bring live music and Egyptian Dance to communities that might not otherwise get the chance to experience it. That’s why we have arranged a free taster workshop as part of the day. And that’s also why we’ve kept the cost of participation very low – thanks to the generous sponsorship of NADA, the Northern Arabic Dance Association.
Baladi Blues Ensemble
The Baladi Blues Ensemble plays the urban Egyptian dance music known as Baladi. Skillful accordion and saxophone improvisations, energised by powerful Egyptian rhythms give the Baladi Blues Ensemble its distinctive sound. Their music reflects the sophisticated and fast paced, urban lifestyle of 1950’s Cairo - all offered with a charming and enigmatic stage presence.
 |
| Baladi Blues Ensemble |
Venue
The venue is the Forth View Suite at the David Lloyd Club, Edinburgh Newhaven Harbour, EH6 4LX. Venue details, map, transport etc. information is available here.
Day
The day will feature:
- FREE Egyptian Belly Dance taster workshop (2:00pm till 3:00pm)
- Live music workshop for Dancers (3:15pm till 5:15pm)
- EVENING CONCERT and party with live music (starts 7:30pm)
Starts 7:30, cost: £5! (LAST FEW TICKETS)
This unmissable concert and party will feature authentic live music from the fabulous Baladi Blues Ensemble, along with dance performances and lots of time to boogie with the band!
A fantastic evening of live music, featuring performances from me, Lorne, Espeth, Kerimeh, Anna and Edinburgh's longest established Egyptian Dance troupe Daughters of Isis.
Tickets are selling very quickly for this event, advanced booking is advised.
FREE Egyptian Belly Dance taster workshop for Beginners
2:00 till 3:00, cost: FREE
A fun, free, accessible dance workshop suitable for all ages and abilities. This will be a fun filled introduction to Egyptian Dance for complete Beginners, brought to you by Dance Base's Elspeth SwishandHips.
To join the FREE workshop, either reserve your place in advance or simply turn up on the day,
The Spirit of Baladi - Live music workshop for Dancers
3:00 till 5:00 (SOLD OUT)
I am teaching a workshop for dancers on "the Spirit of Baladi", accompanied by Baladi Blues band leader Guy Schalom on Egyptian Tabla and master accordion player Sheikh Taha - an opportunity to learn to connect with and dance to traditional Egyptian music, melody and rhythm, and to explore moving the soulful sound of Baladi accordion - played by one of the leading musicians of this incredible art form.
Bookings
To book, go to bookings page on my website and follow the instructions.
For evening tickets, all reservations will only be held if secured by full payment (you can pay via PayPal) and the last date for Advanced Bookings and Payment is Friday 3rd February.
If any evening tickets remain after 3rd February than these will be sold on the day on a first come, first served basis.
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
2011 - 12 months in 12 sentences
I've risen to the challenge to summarize my 2011 year in just 12 sentences, one per month. Thanks go to Claire (@StAndrewsLynx) for the inspiration to blog on the "12 in 12" theme. And to those reading this - Happy New Year! I hope that 2012 brings good things to you, and everyone.
In January, I found some mezze (I also survived my worst costume malfunction but quickly destroyed all evidence).
I had a Fifi February, dancing with melaya and white galabeya.
In March, I fed my fabric shopping habit during a trip to Paris, and Walked the Walk with a little bit of Aziza.
April was a JoY, and workshops with Eman Zaki had me dancing Samia style.
In May, I had a Dorothy moment in the wrong dancers holiday in Marrakesh; and later danced the Zarr with Suraya accompanied by drumming from the father and son El Minyawis.
In June, I taught and guest starred at the second Glasgow Festival of Arabic Dance.
July was the Raqs Sharqi Society fundraiser in London, and the Foundation for Community Dance summer school - where I completed their certificate in Age Inclusive Practice.
August brought injury, which caused me to miss my guest star spot at Planet Egypt in London.
September, I had a really good time watching other dancers while I gradually got my body moving again.
October had me up, dancing again and joining Beatrice Grognard's workshops as part of the Songe d'une nuit en Egypte weekend.
November brought a thankfully snow free drive home from Northern Lights at Newport on Tay.
December meant lots of hours planning the Baladi Blues live Egyptian music event in Edinburgh next year - on 5th February 2012 - and I even sold out the live music dancers workshop that I'll be teaching then.
In January, I found some mezze (I also survived my worst costume malfunction but quickly destroyed all evidence).
I had a Fifi February, dancing with melaya and white galabeya.
In March, I fed my fabric shopping habit during a trip to Paris, and Walked the Walk with a little bit of Aziza.
April was a JoY, and workshops with Eman Zaki had me dancing Samia style.
 |
| Jewel of Yorkshire with Khaled Mahmoud and Eman Zaki |
 |
| Marrakesh |
 |
| Dancing at GFAD, by Milla |
July was the Raqs Sharqi Society fundraiser in London, and the Foundation for Community Dance summer school - where I completed their certificate in Age Inclusive Practice.
August brought injury, which caused me to miss my guest star spot at Planet Egypt in London.
September, I had a really good time watching other dancers while I gradually got my body moving again.
October had me up, dancing again and joining Beatrice Grognard's workshops as part of the Songe d'une nuit en Egypte weekend.
November brought a thankfully snow free drive home from Northern Lights at Newport on Tay.
December meant lots of hours planning the Baladi Blues live Egyptian music event in Edinburgh next year - on 5th February 2012 - and I even sold out the live music dancers workshop that I'll be teaching then.
 |
| Baladi Blues day of dance |
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Breathing New Life into an Ancient Legend
Dream of an Egyptian Night (Songe d'une Nuit d'Egypte) is a contemporary dance show; which takes its inspiration from the Egypt of the pharaohs, and the goddess Hathor.
The legend of the goddess Hathor has enabled Béatrice Grognard and her dancers to plunge into the dazzling artistic and intellectual richness of the Egypt of the pharaohs. Thanks to its musical excerpts drawn from numerous Egyptian repertoires and to the projection of paintings, sculptures, objects and antique sites, Dream of an Egyptian Night aims to celebrate an art which spans two millennia. The show combines both ancient Egyptian spirituality and sensual pleasure; reflecting Béatrice Grognard’s fifteen years of research and experience of creating performances.
“A celebration of the powerful femininity of the sun which is a mysterious expression of the beauty of the world and the magic beyond…”
When the show debuted in Brussels last year it drew critical acclaim and was even featured on Egyptian television’s “Good Morning Egypt” news programme (Sabah el kheir ya Masr) and the Belgian news on Télé Bruxelles. Here is a short clip from the original show.
Songe d'une nuit d'Egypte - Tarab / Béatrice... by tarabofegypt
You can watch further clips of extracts from the original show (Songe d’une nuit d’Egypte) on the Tarab video channel on Daily Motion.
The exciting news is that thanks to Ellie Atkinson of Zahira Dance and Raqs Sharqi Dorset, and after playing to audiences in Belgium, France and Italy, this amazing show is coming to UK this autumn – to theatres in Bristol in October and Leeds in November! And more good news, both shows will be followed by 2 days of workshops. Here are all the details.
Bristol show
Friday 28 October 2011, doors at 7.30pm.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Theatre, Berkley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX.
Tickets are £16.50 including booking fee
To reserve go to www.bristolticketshop.co.uk.
Bristol workshops
Dance Space at the Island (Bridewell St entrance), Bristol, BS1 2PY
Saturday 29 October, 11:30-16:00 - Baladi
Sunday 30 October, 9:30-14:00 - Sha’abi (the rural style from Upper Egypt)
Each workshop costs £45
Bookings can be made by contacting Ellie Atkinson.
Leeds show
Friday 18 November, doors at 7.30pm.
Northern Ballet Theatre, Quarry Hill, Leeds, Yorkshire LS2 7PA.
Tickets are £16.00 including booking fee.
To reserve go to www.northernballet.com.
Leeds workshops
Northern Ballet at Quarry Hill, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS2 7PA
Saturday 19 November, 11:30-16:00 - Classical from the ottoman courts
Sunday 20 November, 9:30-14:00 - Sufi.
Each workshop costs £45
Bookings can be made by contacting Ellie Atkinson.
Béatrice is an inspirational and generous teacher of her own particular style of contemporary and theatrical Egyptian dance. I’m so excited by this that I’m even planning to travel from my home in Edinburgh to both Bristol and Leeds weekends so I can attend both workshop weekends and I’m even thinking of seeing the show twice. I’m particularly excited by the Sufi style, I’ve only done this a handful of times before with Béatrice and it is an incredible experience, not to be missed.
Béatrice Grognard is one of the foremost European teachers of contemporary Egyptian Dance. I first discovered Béatrice Grognard when I started attending her classes when I worked in Brussels for a spell in 2006. Attending her classes twice a week was a wonderful escape from what was a very busy but exciting period in my life. And since returning to the UK, I have continued to train, attending Béatrice’s occasional UK workshops and participating in two of her study trips to Egypt to work with live musicians.
At the end of last year, I attended an amazing weekend of workshops with Béatrice organised by Diane and Ellie of Raqs Sharqi Dorset. The learning was deep and amazing. The Baladi focused on the meeting between singer, musicians and dancer, melting together like hot chocolate into a single melody. The Ghawazee class helped us to explore strength, femininity and most of all fun, working with signature moves like throwing hips, twists, dynamic movements, wide shimmies, and rhythmic footwork. And the jewel in the crown of the workshop weekend was Sharqi, the modern and classical form of the dance, almost contemporary in its interpretation. Béatrice opened our eyes to challenging all our assumptions about how to interpret the music, unpicking many years of learning the “correct” way to dance.
About Béatrice Grognard
Béatrice Grognard divides her time between Europe, Cairo and Brussels where, in 1998, she founded the "Tarab”, School of Theatrical Dances of Egypt". She has dedicated the last 15 years to the study and research of Egyptian music and dance. Trained as an archaeologist, Béatrice has always had true passion about arts and dance. Since 1991, Béatrice has devoted herself exclusively to dance and choreography and, thanks to her tremendous enthusiasm, has dedicated herself to defending the beauty and the authenticity of traditional Egyptian dances. Her quest today is directly linked to her original interest in archaeology: to bring forward Egyptian dance and the music of the past, redefine their boundaries and breath new life into them with theatricality introduced on stage, therefore ensuring them new life and a future. For more information about Béatrice, see www.tarabofegypt.com.
www.habibadance.com
 |
| (c) Tarab of Egypt |
“A celebration of the powerful femininity of the sun which is a mysterious expression of the beauty of the world and the magic beyond…”
 |
| (c) Tarab of Egypt |
Songe d'une nuit d'Egypte - Tarab / Béatrice... by tarabofegypt
You can watch further clips of extracts from the original show (Songe d’une nuit d’Egypte) on the Tarab video channel on Daily Motion.
The exciting news is that thanks to Ellie Atkinson of Zahira Dance and Raqs Sharqi Dorset, and after playing to audiences in Belgium, France and Italy, this amazing show is coming to UK this autumn – to theatres in Bristol in October and Leeds in November! And more good news, both shows will be followed by 2 days of workshops. Here are all the details.
Bristol show
Friday 28 October 2011, doors at 7.30pm.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Theatre, Berkley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX.
Tickets are £16.50 including booking fee
To reserve go to www.bristolticketshop.co.uk.
Bristol workshops
Dance Space at the Island (Bridewell St entrance), Bristol, BS1 2PY
Saturday 29 October, 11:30-16:00 - Baladi
Sunday 30 October, 9:30-14:00 - Sha’abi (the rural style from Upper Egypt)
Each workshop costs £45
Bookings can be made by contacting Ellie Atkinson.
Leeds show
Friday 18 November, doors at 7.30pm.
Northern Ballet Theatre, Quarry Hill, Leeds, Yorkshire LS2 7PA.
Tickets are £16.00 including booking fee.
To reserve go to www.northernballet.com.
Leeds workshops
Northern Ballet at Quarry Hill, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS2 7PA
Saturday 19 November, 11:30-16:00 - Classical from the ottoman courts
Sunday 20 November, 9:30-14:00 - Sufi.
Each workshop costs £45
Bookings can be made by contacting Ellie Atkinson.
Béatrice is an inspirational and generous teacher of her own particular style of contemporary and theatrical Egyptian dance. I’m so excited by this that I’m even planning to travel from my home in Edinburgh to both Bristol and Leeds weekends so I can attend both workshop weekends and I’m even thinking of seeing the show twice. I’m particularly excited by the Sufi style, I’ve only done this a handful of times before with Béatrice and it is an incredible experience, not to be missed.
Béatrice Grognard is one of the foremost European teachers of contemporary Egyptian Dance. I first discovered Béatrice Grognard when I started attending her classes when I worked in Brussels for a spell in 2006. Attending her classes twice a week was a wonderful escape from what was a very busy but exciting period in my life. And since returning to the UK, I have continued to train, attending Béatrice’s occasional UK workshops and participating in two of her study trips to Egypt to work with live musicians.
At the end of last year, I attended an amazing weekend of workshops with Béatrice organised by Diane and Ellie of Raqs Sharqi Dorset. The learning was deep and amazing. The Baladi focused on the meeting between singer, musicians and dancer, melting together like hot chocolate into a single melody. The Ghawazee class helped us to explore strength, femininity and most of all fun, working with signature moves like throwing hips, twists, dynamic movements, wide shimmies, and rhythmic footwork. And the jewel in the crown of the workshop weekend was Sharqi, the modern and classical form of the dance, almost contemporary in its interpretation. Béatrice opened our eyes to challenging all our assumptions about how to interpret the music, unpicking many years of learning the “correct” way to dance.
About Béatrice Grognard
 |
| (c) Tarab of Egypt |
www.habibadance.com
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
"Lauren of Arabia"
Egyptian percussionist, musician and dancer Karim Nagi has posted this great clip of a lecture he gave from a panel discussion in the Diwan 2009 conference at the Arab American National Museum in Deerborn Michigan, USA. Karim discusses the Americanization of Arab dance in America, and how Arabs can reintegrate into the development of their own art forms.
This is an articulate and intelligent presentation of the issues around how dance originating from the Arab world has often been portrayed and mistranslated in the West and how important it is both for non-Arabs to understand properly the culture, form and origin behind Arabic dance and for Arabs themselves to embrace their own cultural wealth of dance.
I think this video is a must see for any Egyptian or Raqs Sharqi style dancer and for those with an interest in Arab culture.
www.habibadance.com
This is an articulate and intelligent presentation of the issues around how dance originating from the Arab world has often been portrayed and mistranslated in the West and how important it is both for non-Arabs to understand properly the culture, form and origin behind Arabic dance and for Arabs themselves to embrace their own cultural wealth of dance.
I think this video is a must see for any Egyptian or Raqs Sharqi style dancer and for those with an interest in Arab culture.
www.habibadance.com
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