Thread: any suggestions for a zaffa?

Hi everyone!

I will be doing a show at an Egyptian couple's wedding next week, and they want the zaffa to be part of it. I my hands on some music - zaffa, and a wedding song. I am planning to edit a bit of zaffa before and after the song. As far as I can tell from Youtube, it's just leading in the couple wearing a shamadan and getting some of the family to dance before they all sit down.

Are there any specific moves the dancer is supposed to do? Is there anything the dancer is most decidedly not supposed to do?

Bhuz, please advise!

this is what I undersand to be true, based on info from Sahra Saida: there is a specific rhythm that's usually used...you should be dancing half time, with zills, to a quick song (as in Badia Shamadan, perhaps, from Nagwa's CD). you are both a symbol of fertility for the newlyweds and entertainment for the guests. once you seat them and dance for them a little, you can do a little show, and then grab people up to dance and celebrate. if your clients are Arab, do NOT do any floorwork after you've removed the shamadan (which can happen before or after your show). that's all I know...I've been interested but never actually performed one. :)

For the procession, you dance in front of the couple and lead them around. Play sagat (zills). If you know the jewel move (like a crescent hip circle around the front with a twist), use it a lot, as well as your basic step hip.

While you are wearing the shamadan and have got the couple of honor in their place of honor, you will want to do a level change in front of them so they can get their photo taken behind the candles. Maybe do this while they are still standing.

After the procession you usually do a number with the shamadan on. While you do your number do oriental dancing, but also include floorwork. If you can do the splits do them, if you can roll over on the ground that's great. When you are on your belly you can put your hands on your chin really cute like and sort of kick your feet.

If you have time I recommend buying a dvd from Morocco. http://www.casbahdance.org/
#5. Stars of Egyptian Dance: Nadia Hamdi: Oriental & Candelabrum ('82), Hanan ('79 & '83), Nahed Sabry ('79), Eman Wagdy ('80). 1 1/2 hrs.

Nadia Hamdi is the most famous at the shamadan and somebody to emulate if you can.

Sahra Kent has also done some nice shamadan that you can get video of. IAMED has one, but you'll have to ask them which one: http://bellydance.org/ and her troupe does one on the Al Dunia video: http://www.sahrasaeeda.com/layaliyasmine/Videos.html

You can also look at Faten Salama's Folkloric Troupe video for a shamadan:http://www.fatensalama.info/2006/

I know there's more videos out there too, but these would be a good start for reference. Have fun!


If you can do the splits do them

Sahra Kent = Sahra Saeeda (where is my brain lately??)

Shems, do you have any info on the zeffa rhythm? Sahra also spoke of a specific move to do if you did floorwoork, with one's foot (?!), that Egyptian *expect* to see if floorwork is done. She is a great resource, and she wrote a paper on the subject that I can't find at the moment... (off to rummage)

Zaffah rhythm goes something like this: Dum sak-sak-sak-sak Dum sak-sak
(hope that translates well)
and of course there are variations and "tricks" added (by some drummers) on top of that sometimes but this is the basic rhythm used for a Zaffah.

This is what I was taught to do:
you enter with the couple, dancing in front of them, leading them in and around the dance floor. Normally they are shy and scared so make them feel better, smile and relax. You are showing them off to the waiting guests. After taking them around you can dance with them in the center of the dance floor or near their head table (don't be surprised if family members - or the whole crowd for that matter -join you without warning). When you feel it is time enough, you can sit them down, and dance with the Shamadan or not, its up to you. Usually I end with the Shamadan and come back for my 20min set after (as per client request) or take it off right after the Zaffah is done and just continue the show. I don't do floor work at weddings, I don't find it appropriate, but thats my own taste. Just watch that you don't flash anyone, and sometimes creepy camera guys will be filming up your legs, so just be careful. :p

as for moves:
Keep it very simple and slow/smooth, undulations, figure eights, body-waves, even a nice slow juicy 3/4 shimmy walk is fine too. But at this moment the Zaffah is about bringing in the couple and showing them off, not about you being the star, so keep it simple until it is your show time. :)

thats it, in as much of a nutshell as i can think... I'll add if i remember anything else. Have fun, you'll do great!
(see you tonight at Layali maybe..?)

-Melly

Thank you, ladies!

That's great information. I have nooo problem keeping it simple if I have flaming objects on my head! .w.: ..l;, (I've never danced with a lit shamadan - just practised unlit.) And I will make sure to get the photo opportunity with the bride & groom in there - thanks, Shems.

I'm really looking forward to this gig!

Melly, I'll see you at next week's Layali. This has been my first night to sit around at home with coffee & Bhuz in a couple of weeks.

Did anyone mention you should wear shoes?? that's probably a given, but especially important if the bride or groom are Egyptian.

Also, the The Chronicles (MECDA's mag) had an article about Zeffas by Ma*Shuqa this month. Music recommendations, breakdown of the rhythm, background info.

Good luck! :)

Hi Nasila!

I spoke with the couple yesterday. It turns out that the groom essentially hired me for his mother; he must have grown up here because he has no idea about what is supposed to happen. The bride is Canadian, and her relatives are farmers from north Ontario. Definitely takes some of the "cultural correctness" pressure off! (I hate dancing in shoes.) ..l;, Although ever since an unfortunate instance of a callus tearing off during a performance I wear sequin-covered half soles, so maybe they count!

I know this is an old post but I sure appreciate it! I've dance a zeffah once before and will be doing my second performance soon. Wish me luck!

oh! I feel bad, I never answered Nasila's follow up questions.

The foot thing - you can see Nadia Hamdi do it here at about 2:15 into the video.

and the zeffa rhythm is this in Egypt:

Originally Posted by Anuka

Hi Nasila!

I spoke with the couple yesterday. It turns out that the groom essentially hired me for his mother; he must have grown up here because he has no idea about what is supposed to happen. The bride is Canadian, and her relatives are farmers from north Ontario. Definitely takes some of the "cultural correctness" pressure off! (I hate dancing in shoes.) ..l;, Although ever since an unfortunate instance of a callus tearing off during a performance I wear sequin-covered half soles, so maybe they count!

i do lots of these..i have never worn shoes.