Thread: Need song rec's for 13 y.o. student

So, I have a 13 y.o. student who is a delight to work with. She came to dance with me for self-esteem issues as a
5'10" tall 11 y.o.

She has asked me if she can solo in the upcoming student night. I was thrilled, but then I heard her choice of music and had to veto "Belly Dancer by Akon" for explicit lyrics and content for this family-friendly show.

She wants something hip hoppy and modern. I am a traditionalist and always prefer that the dancers use some form of ME music. But I am open to finding her something she will like and that will motivate her.

Is there anything anyone can suggest that I could give her that is hip hoppish/techno and upbeat, but with appropriate lyrics and content for a child?

what about some 90's warda or hakim? she might lik hakim's "nar" its uber-poppy and fast but with decent lyrics.

Natacha Atlas might work for her, e.g., "Amulet," "Fun does Not Exist," "Eye of the Duck," or "Layali." You could also try "Awal" by Transglobal Underground, the techno-y verison of Daret Al Ayam by Ro-Je, Move your Belly by Louie, or The Circle by Zeb.

There's always Chicky, or Bassnectar's Snakecharmer song.

Maybe something from Karim Nagi's CDs?

Sending you a PM with a couple of suggestions...

Thx for the ideas. I am putting together a cd for her to listen to and choose from right now. :-)

My college kids LOVED dancing to "WaWa" by Haifa. It's cute and cheeky, even if you don't understand the lyrics.

But it's not hip hop. Does Akon have an alternate version of that song?

ill bet that if you loan her a couple bellydance superstars compilations, shell find something she likes!they seem to feature songs that have a very western appeal.

Habibi by Melissa & Dr Alban.

Balkan Beat Box and Beats Antique are pretty wide mood/musical ranges.

Said Mrad has some techno remixes, and there's always Tarkan for the Timberlake vibe (hmm lyrics though even in Turkish are kinda...).

I ditto the BD Superstars/Galactic Caravan CDs for other good song ideas.

always Tarkan for the Timberlake vibe

Also Mohammed Hamaki who has a very 'Timberlake' sound and massive appeal for a young Western Audience.