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Karim Nagi, Vanessa of Cairo, and Jawaahir Dance Company take you on a journey through “Alwan Masr,” The Colors of Egypt! This is a fun, vibrant, and family-friendly show that gives you a taste of a country with diverse and unique dance styles. This one-of-a-kind artistic and educational program showcases the beauty and distinctiveness of Arab dance. Karim is also teaching 4 workshops over the weekend (scroll down for info on Karim and his workshops).
Elision Playhouse: 6105 42nd Avenue North, Crystal, MN. This show 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 show and all 4 workshops!
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 venue TBD.
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. Venue TBD. $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. Venue TBD. $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.
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 above.
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.
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