Thread: Dance terms I'm not familiar with!

I've just read some posts and there are some terms I'm not familiar with. Would some nice Bhuzzer help me out?

Shaabi

Melaya (Malaya?)

If there are any other commonly used terms that you feel dancers should know, bring it on!

Thank you.... :)

Shaabi is a genre of music that is basically urban/street pop music. Music by Saad and Hakim is often included in this genre. It's often more 'raw' that regular pop, with everyday working class themes (including sexual innuendos) throughout.

A melaya leff is a black cloth used to cover women for modesty. Reda turned this into a character dance, where women come on stage with a sequined black wrap worn over a flirty dress. Here is Bhuzzer Shona's version:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt6gRYTa5k4]YouTube - melaya leff[/ame]

I'm sure other Bhuzzards can expand more...

If you search on "shaabi," you'll find a bunch of great info in past threads. Also true for "milaya," I bet...

Originally Posted by Doozer

I've just read some posts and there are some terms I'm not familiar with. Would some nice Bhuzzer help me out?

Shaabi

Melaya (Malaya?)

"shaabi" is people's music. Can be raw, sexy, funny, political. Always best to check the meaning before dancing to it (even more than "other" Arabic songs) as it can be unsuitable. On the whole you wouldn't wear bedleh while dancing to it nor use too many Orientale moves either (although there may be some exceptions).

As Nasila says, milaya lef was the winding sheet worn by working class urban women and was incorporated into a theatrical tableau by Mahmoud Reda. I have some notes, photos and very short workshop and performance clips on
Milaya Lef

Uh oh....yet another direction in bellydance to explore. How much fun could we all have with this?

Originally Posted by bintbeled

If you search on "shaabi," you'll find a bunch of great info in past threads. Also true for "milaya," I bet...

Latifa does a great Melaya and I have the proof on video

Originally Posted by gloworm25

Latifa does a great Melaya and I have the proof on video

aw, thanks! It is one of my favorite styles.