Thread: Karim Nagi Workshops in Milwaukee, WI

On August 7 and 8, 2010, I will host Arab musician, folk dancer, recording artist and educator Karim Nagi from Turbo Tabla for workshops at Astor Street Dance Studio, 1228 N Astor St, Milwaukee, WI.

Saturday, August 7, 11am to 1pm:

RHYTHM FOR DANCERS: It's time to raise the bar for rhythmic literacy! A dancer's immediate connection to the music is the rhythm produced by the Tabla and percussion. Karim teaches each rhythm using the three-sound clapping approach. Karim then performs sample rhythms on the Tabla. Students will learn each rhythm by name, "dum-tak" vocalization, and clapping. Afterwards the dancers will learn choreography segments to help gain bodily control with the sample rhythm, putting theory into practice. By physically personifying each Rhythm, bodily mastery of that rhythm will be achieved. This movement workshop is perfect for any dancer who wants to better understand what they are dancing to.

Sunday, August 8, 11am to 1pm:

ARAB FOLK DANCE INTENSIVE: This class is an intensive introduction to the traditional group dances from the Arab world. These dances are primarily unisex, and emphasize synchronicity and group cohesion. This workshop includes Dabka Line Dance, Basic Tahteeb/Assaya Cane Dance, and the group-healing ritual motions found in Zikr and Zar practices. Each dance is taught efficiently as an introduction to the style, and is an initiation into possible future study. These dances are less glamourous than the performance-oriented heroism of the solo dances found in the Arab world. These are the dances done by "The People" in social, celebratory, and spiritual group settings. They can be taught to dancers at any level, as both a cultural and artistic experience. The group movements and concepts can later be extrapolated into performance-caliber skills and themes.

Workshops are $40 each or two for $75. Space is limited so reserve your place with payment to shaia@milwaukeebellydance.com at www.paypal.com

SHAIA! I know Karim and he's amazing. Wish I could be there but I'll probably be in Lebanon!

Originally Posted by Mark Balahadia

SHAIA! I know Karim and he's amazing. Wish I could be there but I'll probably be in Lebanon!

I'm very excited that he's coming. I wish that you could be here, too! I need some laughs ..l;,

Durnit! I'm going to be out of town! Have fun though!

There are still a few spots open in both workshops, so please PM me if you are interested!