Thread: Song/Video of the Month? (Daret al Ayam)

What ever happened to the Video/Song of the Month where bhuzzers shared their interpretation of a certain piece of music? That was such a wonderful learning tool. Sumaya, was it you who initiated that? Wanna bring it back?? ..g.:

That's a fantastic idea! I'm reletively new to Bhuz so I never even knew about this.

Oh, I don't think it ever really made the move to New Bhuz -- got all mired up in trying to figure out how to use groups & such.

It was actually bi-monthly to give people time. So the Feb/March song might be "Alf Leyla Wa Leyla" (or something) and everyone who wants to partipate dances to that song and videotapes themselves.

Mostly we did it real informally, in practice clothes. And we all tried to use the same version of the song, but it wasn't required. And you could do just a portion, too.

It was interesting to see the different interpretations (sometimes even more interesting to see where we all did the exact same thing, like a big hip circle in the middle of ana fi intizarak, i think)

It was also a good push to keep working on new material & not get stagnant, for those of us who tend to procrastinate & then pull some improv out for shows. *looks ashamed* It was nice to have a few pieces ready to go all the time.

(it was called the "choreography project" although no one ever got kicked out for improv).

Yeah, I actually miss doing this as well. I even came up with a choreography for one of them (Leila), although I was never able to post it. My troupe mate never gave me a copy of the performance. Grrrrr!!!! ,m::

Anyway, now that I have a digital camera that can do video I might get to post if this does start again. Hmmmmm... maybe I'll go re-visit Leila and refresh my memory of the choreo. I'll have to change it from a troupe choreo to a solo choreo. Then, I might even be brave enough to post my first performance for critique on Bhuz. Yikes!!!! ..l;,

I now have a video camera...

anyone up for dharet al ayam? I don't think it got off the ground...

I LOVE Daret Al Ayam (but I like the whole version much better than Jillina's chopped up On Fire version). Maybe the original Cairo Orechestra one? Or the one off the Leila CD, since so many people own it? Or can we just do any version we want?

I'm up for it! I like the version on "Ya Bahaia" - I think it would work well for this project.

Can I play, too? I have "Ya Bahaia" and Leila's "Helwa".

Awww man... I love this idea. I keep wanting to participate, but always wind up going on other things.

Tickle me in if I can manage the time!

I'm an improv dancer so I'd love to participate to develop my choreo muscle. I have both "Ya Bahaia" and Leila's "Helwa...".

So are we set for this song?

I'll work on it, but I've got to use the On Fire version. I don't have any other version.

I think I'll skip this one, because I actually DID the Daret el Ayam one when we had it before (like a year ago, I think?) but that's OK because I really don't have time right now. I'll cheer you all on from the sidelines!!

I just listened to the Ya Bahaia version, which is really quite similar to the Cairo Orchestra version (the On Fire Version cuts off the first like 3 minutes). So, can we go with our choice of those?

To post by end of February?

Lauren, I think you did the one that started half way in (On Fire) so if you wanted to play you could still do the first 3 minutes fresh.....g.:

I have a video camera now, and Mahmoud Fadl's version--if we don't mind all different versions, I could perhaps do this too...

I have the 8:00 or so version on Tribute to Om Kalsoum...that would be a challenge for me! I can never seem to choreograph more than 5 minutes for some reason. I know a choreo for the 2nd half (from a Jillina workshop) but wouldn't use it. No cheating!

I'm definitely in - I really want to push myself this year so these challenges will help me out

I want to try this! I think I may have to go music shopping though... i only have the 17 minute one by the Nazareth Orchestra...

Originally Posted by Safiyah

I have the 8:00 or so version on Tribute to Om Kalsoum...that would be a challenge for me! I can never seem to choreograph more than 5 minutes for some reason. I know a choreo for the 2nd half (from a Jillina workshop) but wouldn't use it. No cheating!

That's the Cairo Orchestra one. I have that one too, but Zahra did a choreography to it in class so I'd have to try really hard to figure out other stuff to do to the first minute or so. Once I learn a ZZ choreography, it's like it makes so much sense musically that I just can't get it out of my body!! ..c::

I think it's more helpful if we all do the same version, but if we're doing anything goes, I think I might attempt the Leila version.

If anyone wants the Cairo Orchestra version, PM me with your email...

That's how I am about the Jillina choreography to this song. It makes sense to me, it goes with the music and I don't think I'd change anything about it...

I haven't heard the Leila version but tend to be pretty biased towards Cairo Orchestra. They're always my favorite

The Cairo Orchestra version is also available on iTunes for $.99

I'm in too! So do we post the vids the end of Feb?

Originally Posted by badriya_al_ahmar

I have a video camera now, and Mahmoud Fadl's version--if we don't mind all different versions, I could perhaps do this too...

OK, if the Fadl version gets approved, I may be in if I can find time. I LURVE this version and it's totally different from the one I did before -- that one was all shimmery, this one's all swoopy!!

I was thinking about performing to the Raks al Dunia (Dunia al Raks?) version on Sunday and having it filmed...but if I don't I still want to be in!

Oh and that version is on iTunes now, also.

Originally Posted by Lauren_

OK, if the Fadl version gets approved, I may be in if I can find time. I LURVE this version and it's totally different from the one I did before -- that one was all shimmery, this one's all swoopy!!

Ooh! I love his version! I vote for Fadl!

I thought it was gonna be bi-monthly as opposed to monthly.

I can do Daret Al Ayam. If the Cairo Orchestra version is on "Aziza Raks", I think I have it. Otherwise, I have to go with "On Fire". I also have Ya Bahaia but I'm not sure whose orchestration it is on that one. I'm not guaranteeing I'll do it though because I always hate videos of myself in practice clothes.

So put on a costume, Nepenthe! ..g.:

Is everyone okay with using whatever version we have? If not, is there anyone that can make a specific version universally available?

Is 5 weeks not enough?

I think we should just use whatever version we have (or like the best for those that have more than one version). I've actually got the first minute or so worked out. Just need to get inspired for the rest.

Oh, Nasila - Thanks for sending the Cairo Orchestra version to me. Unfortunately, I'm on a mac and I have no idea how to change it from wma to mp3. I'll probably just go get it from itunes. Thanks again!

Originally Posted by Safiyah

The Cairo Orchestra version is also available on iTunes for $.99

And I found it on eMusic.com last night, for those who use that. I still like Mahmoud Fadl's better, though ..g.:

Looks like this one is available on Emusic.com, too, so I'm off to download it!

p.s. What other songs are recommended from his "For Oriental Dancers, From Cairo With Love" album?

Originally Posted by Lauren_

OK, if the Fadl version gets approved, I may be in if I can find time. I LURVE this version and it's totally different from the one I did before -- that one was all shimmery, this one's all swoopy!!

I think any version is fine!

Ooooh! I'm in! I've never done a choreo before, so now's the time!