Thread: Cambridge, MA: Exploring the Arab Style Oriental Routine, taught by Meiver

Green Street Studios
185 Green St., Cambridge, MA

11 December 2010, 2-5 PM

This is the first in a series of workshops where we will look at several aspects of how to craft an Arab Style Oriental Routine. Pulling from both Lebanese and Egyptian style Raqs Sharqi, from Raqs Baladi, and from several elements of folklore, we will explore how the folkloric interacts with the classical, and the modern, in Arab dance. What makes a routine look, sound, and feel the way our Arab audiences expect it to? What are the common sections, kinds of music, or elements of the dance used in these performances? What are ways to integrate the new, and still please your audience's desire to recreate their cultural heritage, and see a beautiful presentation of these dances?

Over these sessions we will discuss how to develop your own material, and use what you know towards building your repertoire in Arabic style belly dance. We will study the body language of the greats, and explore feeling, musicality, and relevant cultural references and information. Readings, videos, and conversations will be part of these training sessions. Other modules will be offered in the Spring. Each module is its own separate class, with different material each time. Details on props, and preparation materials are provided to registered students prior to the workshop.

Fee: $45, pre-register. Paypal to arabiyya@gmail.com or email avknaub@gmail.com to mail a check. $50 at the door, space permitting.


If you are not familiar with Meiver's dancing, here is a clip of her dancing to live music at MassRaqs 2010:

For more information on Meiver, please visit www.meiver.com