Thread: What do you want in a local workshop?

I've been asked to teach a mini workshop as a warm up to a bigger name. The sponsor and I have generally agreed on what I should teach but we decided to throw the subject out to the people who are actually attending workshops.
What do you most want to learn?????

Here are some of the ideas we discussed:

Improvisation to Arabic and Greek chiftitelli/tsifitelli
Improvisation in general
Veil routine to rhumba, bolero or chiftitelli
Oum Khoulsoum
Drum Solo
Choreo to modern pop
Choreo to classical Arabian musicale
Floorwork
Props? Cane, Sword? I've given up candles and whatnot.

Other???

Hmmm... I would want to learn improvisation in general. My second choice (not necessarily lesser) would be choreo to modern Arabic popl

I'd keep the topic complimentary to what the main instructor is doing. ie. if you have a bunch of Egyptian style junkies, they're not going to be too keen on props, and Tribal Fusion gals are not likely to be keen on Oum Kalthoum.

Improv sounds great!

Originally Posted by Adishakti

I'd keep the topic complimentary to what the main instructor is doing. ie. if you have a bunch of Egyptian style junkies, they're not going to be too keen on props, and Tribal Fusion gals are not likely to be keen on Oum Kalthoum.

Improv sounds great!

So true! Improv is a safety. But what is the main instructor doing anway?

I'm not sure exactly what Mohammed Shahin is planning but something Egyptian style for sure. Last year he did Saidi and a modern number.

My preference is to do the improv.

Yeah, improv sounds great! Given the right presentation it can be a lot of fun and a great way for everyone to get comfortable around one another.

Woah.... if by chance he is selling any CD's with Ya Ma Daget on it, would you pick one up for me, Norma? Pretty please? I've been trying like mad to get my hands on the version of Ya Ma Daget by his band to no avail. (I've contacted him but didn't get anywhere, unfortunately).

Originally Posted by Adishakti

Yeah, improv sounds great! Given the right presentation it can be a lot of fun and a great way for everyone to get comfortable around one another.

Woah.... if by chance he is selling any CD's with Ya Ma Daget on it, would you pick one up for me, Norma? Pretty please? I've been trying like mad to get my hands on the version of Ya Ma Daget by his band to no avail. (I've contacted him but didn't get anywhere, unfortunately).

I have no clue but he usually brings CD's for sale. You should come to Chicago!!!!

I agree that improv would be best, since the two workshops I took from Mohamed Shahin were choreography. He is wonderful!!

just recently did a mohammed shahin workshop, he did maleya leff and oriental, so if he's doing oriental, oum may be good, or, improv is ALWAYS a good option....alot of newer dancers need and ask for more input on how to improv, so that's a goody

ummm, latifa, r u following me? we always seem to post within seconds of each other :p

Okay, I found out Mo is teaching a Master Class on Sat. and Saidi and Choreography on Sunday. Another teacher is doing Turkish Chiftitelli and another one most likely some kind of prop.

Running out of options! Looks like some sort of improv class is the way to go. Maybe improv to Oum Khoulsoum???

Originally Posted by norma

I have no clue but he usually brings CD's for sale. You should come to Chicago!!!!

Or come to Boston in May, Adishakti, he'll be doing an assaya workshop here then! ..g.: If Norma can't get the cd for you, I'll be happy to check for you in May.

Originally Posted by badriya_al_ahmar

Or come to Boston in May, Adishakti, he'll be doing an assaya workshop here then! ..g.: If Norma can't get the cd for you, I'll be happy to check for you in May.

I would be interseted in this CD as well! (And unfortunately, can't do *any* traveling this year.)

My first choice would be improvisation in general, I would also be interested in Drum Solo and Sword. Although I take all types of workshops just to experience the styles of different dancers.

Please rate in order of preference:

1. Improv-beledi/taqsim
2. Guided improv to oriental routine (so you learn techniques to improv but end up with a choreo)
3. Oum Khoulsoum

I can't choose! I really like the idea of 1 and 2, but 2 sounds even better. Okay, so:
2. Guided improv
1. improv-beledi/taqsim
3. Oum Khoulsoum (if you have time, you could do a variation)

Hope that helps a bit!

Thanks for the suggestions. The sponsor has requested that I teach American Greek Style. So that will definitely involve some improv not to mention stamina. I'll go through the basic structure of a Greek style routine that was popular in the clubs during the 60's -90's.

And if time permits teach a Greek line dance that you can use for audience participation at the end of your show.