Give to the Max

Give to the Max day has passed, so we want to say a big thank you to those of you who were so generous. And the good news is, it’s not too late! If you didn’t get an opportunity to contribute to Jawaahir, you can still give by clicking DONATE. Thank you!!!!

You can read the letter from Vanessa of Cairo, our Artistic Director, here.

Shows

You Missed Us At . . .

Elision Theater Show: Alwan Masr

Workshops

Karim Nagi: 4 Workshops (and a show)!!

Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian immigrant to the USA, and a true crossover artist uniting the Arab tradition with the global contemporary world. He has released 14 CDs, ranging from traditional Arab music to fusion and electronica. He has authored instructional videos for Arab percussive instruments and Arab dance styles. As a dance and drum teacher, Karim has taught in dozens of festivals in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Cairo, as well as most major Arab Culture festivals in the USA. He is also a public speaker with a TEDx talk.

Karim is teaching 4 workshops: Rhythm for Dancers, Sagat, Taqsim for Dancers, and Drum Solo for Dancers and Drummers. You can register for the workshops individually or purchase a day pass for 2 workshops for $60. See descriptions below. These workshops will NOT be available on zoom or be recorded for future purchase, so plan to join us for the full weekend here in Minneapolis for the workshops and Alwan Masr!

Saturday workshops in the Elision Playhouse, 6105 42nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN. Sunday workshops at Zorongo Studio, 3715 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls; entrance from the alley behind the building off 37th Street.

Live only

Rhythm for Dancers: Saturday, Nov 4,11:00-12:30. Elision Playhouse. $45. Day pass for both Saturday workshops $60 ($15 discount).

Karim teaches each rhythm using the three-sound clapping approach. Karim then performs sample rhythms on the Tublah. Students learn each rhythm by name, "dum-tak" vocalization, clapping. Afterwards the dancers learn a dance step or choreography segment that matches the rhythm, to help their body grasp the pattern. By physically personifying each rhythm, the dancers achieve bodily mastery of that rhythm.

Sagat: Saturday, Nov 4,1:00-2:00. Elision Playhouse. $30. Day pass for both Saturday workshops $60 ($15 discount).

You are a dancer and a musician at the same time. Your hands can play any rhythm that a drummer can play. You can accent the orchestra, follow the dynamics of the song, or simply choose the right moment to not play. Sagat (finger cymbals), when played correctly, can add to a dancer's dynamism and effect. Each dancer will be transformed into a moving musician.

Taqsim for Dancers: Sunday, Nov 5,11:00-12:30. Zorongo Studio. $45. Day pass for both Sunday workshops $60 ($15 discount).

Taqsim is the art of instrumental solo improvisation for musicians. The musician can use any instrument, yet the most emblematic are oud, Nnay, violin, qanun, accordion, and buzuq. Although it is extemporaneous, there are several recurring aspects in the Arab style, including the maqam, story arc, and ending. The dancer will practice interpreting the instrumental music into movement and personifying the mood of the music. This workshop is vital for dancers who wish to better interpret melody into movement. It is a different experience from the drum solo because the melodies can be delivered outside of rhythmic confines, similar to speech. It is a lost art that is on the brink of revival.

Drum Solo for Dancers and Drummers: Sunday, Nov 5,1:00-2:00. Zorongo Studio. $30. Day pass for both Sunday workshops $60 ($15 discount).

Some dancers fear it ! Some overuse it ! Yet everyone adores a solo where the rhythmic drums and the accurate body lock together. Melodic songs are lyrical and eloquent, while drum songs are percussive & articulate. Drum solos in the Egyptian, Arabic, or Cabaret style are systematic. They have predictable themes. Each is like a variation on a famous story, retold with new voices and with different accents. Karim is a drummer and a dancer, so he knows what both creatures need in order to breed together.

Live only

Vanessa's Variations

This fun and informative workshop focuses on technique and combinations.

Although this fabulous workshop is over, it was recorded. For a limited time, you can still receive the link to the recording by clicking the Purchase button below.

VideoPrice: $40

News

Jawaahir Part of Minnesota Dance History

The University of Minnesota’s Performing Arts Archives (PAA) has mounted an exhibit on the history of dance in Minnesota. Dance Roots highlights the local and international influences that make for a competitive and fascinating network of choreographers, dancers, teachers, and dance photographers. The gallery displays archival posters, writings, dance notation, never-before-seen media, costumes, and set designs. Through January 31, 2024.

Jawaahir is lending the Archives our Oum Kalthoum hanging, the Shoma costume, and the palm tree costume for this exhibit, along with programs and other media for our major shows. They were happy to have it because it “isn’t beige.”

Dance Roots Exhibit

Interview with Vanessa in Fanoos

Watch Oriana of Fanoos Magazine interview our very own Vanessa of Cairo. They had a wide-ranging conversation covering how Vanessa became Artistic Director of Jawaahir, what her goal is for the company, some of her history of work in Egypt, what it takes to join and contribute to a troupe, and some recommendations for troupe leaders. Of course, they also talked about Jawaahir’s show, Alwan Masr, and the guest artist Karim Nagi.

Fanoos Article

Reservation Request

(If you're on a phone, turn it sideways.)

show		Alwan Masr
show	noDisc	Alwan Masr, Elision Playhouse, Fri, Nov 3, 7:30pm - Tickets available at the door	$ 25
show		Karim Nagi Workshops
show	noDisc	Rhythm for Dancers, Sat, Nov 4, 11-12:30 - Space available, pay at the door	$ 45
show	noDisc	Sagat (finger cymbals), Sat, Nov 4, 1:00-2:00 - Space available, pay at the door	$ 30
show	noDisc	Saturday Day-Pass Discount	$ -15
show		Vanessa Workshops
show	noDisc	Video: Vanessa's Variations, Sat, July 22, 2023	$ 40
show		Additions
show	noDisc	Tax Deductible Donation to Jawaahir?	$1
show		Guild Member Discount
show		Discount for Guild of Middle Eastern Dance Members	$5
show		Grand Total

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Classes

Jawaahir encourages dance students to support our city’s wonderful local instructors who specialize in Raqs Sharqi and Arab dances. Look to Jawaahir Dance Company founder, Cassandra Shore, and current and former JDC members Renee Szudy, Louise Indritz, Kathy McCurdy, Angela Skrade, and Alana Mari. Also, check out the Guild of Middle Eastern Dance for local events and class listings, and of course stay tuned to us here at jawaahir.org, our newsletter, and social media pages.

If you have any accommodation needs, please contact the office.