Thread: costume for mouashahat

hi !
I am thinking of working on a choreography for Lamma Bada but wonder in which costume i could perform...
So I would like to know if you would be shocked to see it performed in a cabaret costume (i saw a video of Samia Gamal doing it).
I had a discussion with Gamal Seif (great teacher and dancer by the way, my favorite) and he said mouashahat should be performed in historical like costume (see Nesma's website Cursos de danza del vientre en madrid Danza del vientre en madrid Danza oriental en madrid for examples).
thank you

Hi Aurelie!
A couple of years ago, when I first got really interested in muwashahat but really didn't know much about them, I danced to one in a bedleh, and I sort of regret it now. I think the historical costuming is more appropriate. Or Reda troupe type costuming. I would go one of those routes, if possible.

On the other hand, I think if you wore a really elegant modern costume (especially a dress), it could still capture the mood of the piece. So many of the muwashahat have that sort of dreamy, ethereal quality. Your costuming could be a modern update on a classical, historically-grounded form.

Hope this helps!

Nisaa

Yes I agree... I just don't have that type of costume...
thank you for the input Nisaa ;)

Originally Posted by aurelie

Yes I agree... I just don't have that type of costume...
thank you for the input Nisaa ;)

Aurelie...maybe you could just wear a body stocking in a color similar to your bedleh's color, and long sleeves??? That would give you the look of a dress, at least.

Originally Posted by aurelie

hi !
I am thinking of working on a choreography for Lamma Bada but wonder in which costume i could perform...
So I would like to know if you would be shocked to see it performed in a cabaret costume (i saw a video of Samia Gamal doing it).
I had a discussion with Gamal Seif (great teacher and dancer by the way, my favorite) and he said mouashahat should be performed in historical like costume (see Nesma's website Cursos de danza del vientre en madrid Danza del vientre en madrid Danza oriental en madrid for examples).
thank you

From reading about Muwashahat I would wear something long and flowy. I wouldn't wear a bedlah. Muwashahat comes across to me as something delicate, lovey, soft, sad, etc..... It's a lyrical type poem speaking of love and tenderness in the typical arabic style poetry.

Here is a link discussing muwashahat. Muwashahat and Jarcha

I love the song Lamma Bada!

I wouldn't be shocked to see it performed in a bedleh. I personally don't see anything wrong with that.

My suggestion: listen to it with your eyes closed, and see what kind of mood it makes you feel. You can then choreograph to that mood, AND choose a costume that fits that mood.

If you're interested in seeing what Reda Troupe wore to dance it, there's a video available titled Muwashahat. I'm not saying you need to make the same choice Reda Troupe did, just saying it's one option for input if you're interested.

Hi Aurelie !
As you know I made a troupe choreography on this song, I chose a modern costume, in two pieces with a gypsy top and a flowy skirt. A great Egyptian teacher saw it and advised me to use a more historical costume... it looks like Egyptians are touchy with this.
So if you're going to perform it to Egyptian audiences, be careful ! Otherwise I think you can dance it with any costume you like. I did perform it in a cabaret costume, but shh...

I love Lama Bada! There are sooo many recordings of this song: My collection covers a wide range of wonderful versions, from Omar Khorshid (Lebanse e-guitar) to Tony Hanna (balkan brass).

Personally, I'd probably prefer a dancer in bedlah (which I'd consider "neutral") over a dancer in a historical-inspired costume that is not in period/on location for the song's origins, even if the dancer picks a more traditional recording.

thanks everyone for the input. I am thinking about designing a costume for this dance.
As I won't make a pure moushahat dance but mix it with modern sharqi style (egyptian), I am thinking about a costume that is inspired by the moushahat costumes and bedlah... Any suggestions would be appreciated.

show me photos of costumes you like for this dance or those which could be use !

Sylvie : yes I remember. I liked it but knew very little about moushahat at that time so I didn't bother about the costume.

I am glad you are interested in Mwashahat!! "Lamabada yeta thena is so classic! Big translation: The way she sways as she passes by... The poet wrote this song way before Roy Orbison made his hit song "Pretty woman" (In case you were born after Roy Orbison's era: just google him! - LOL I guess I'm showing my age!!)

So the moves are more curvy, or rather away from center. You can check out Reda's troupe on Youtube for Andalusian styles. Please note, Reda troupe's Andalusian costumes are Egyptian style and "historical". Other historical costumes include a pill box cap, harem-like pants, vests and shirts with flowing sleeves.

I personally don't see anything wrong with using a sharqui costume if you are fusing the music with sharqui style. It's almost like if you were performing saiidi with cane and wearing your bedlah instead if a gelabeya. Anyhoo, if you want to go with the meaning of this historical poem, wear a skirt that's "flow-y", and/or use armlets/sleevelets that are bell shaped. I usually wear a skirt that's either mermaid or more classic style not too tight.

And just have fun!!