Thread: Music for a sword dance

What are some good songs for a short sword dance?

I think I would do something slow, like Eddie Kochak's Phaedra Pharaonica. I mean, it's not exactly authentic but neither sword nor Pharaonic dance are authentic right.

My theory on slow is that the sword is less likely to fall off. Plus slow music is better for floorwork and some people like to use sword with floor work.

Check out "Sahara" on Americanistan's Live at Luna CD or "Haunt" on the Tribalation! CD. Both tracks feature tar drums and ney flute. Slow and moody. Both of these tracks are available on iTunes.

Lots of people use Sirocco's Country Dance. It's powerful but longer, I think. And it's been done a lot, but a classic.

"dance of magic" or "dance for the king", both abdos work well.i usually put a short drum in too.

There's a track called Sword Dance on one of the Light Rain CD's.

I've used both Solace and Hossam Ramzy tracks before, but I always wind up cutting the song. I love sword, but I'm only interesting with one for about 2:30 minutes. Most of the time, even that's pushing it. I can't find short enough sword songs.

I guess I should work in my skillz and build more of a repertoire, but my teacher suggested once keeping slow bits really short. Even if the audience is lovin' it, they get so silent and it interrupts your flow of energy from them. I feel the same way when I perform, that silence from the audience drags me down, even if it reflects intense interest on their part.

But I like slow sword, so I'll continue to cut. Wow, I'm babbling today. Less coffee for me...

Thank you all, those are some terrific suggestions. I've been going crazy trying to find a good slow song.

I often use Naghm Al Kanoun from Beyond the Desert. It's 2:45, which I find to be a great length for sword.

Songs from the Victorious City track#1,5, or 9 anything from Solace
just my suggestions.

Alrana

My favorite sword routine music is from "The Descent of Ishtar"

I actually prefer to find music with both slow and fast parts for sword. The audience, even an audience of other dancers, is often surprised when you do some quick isolations and shimmies with the sword balanced on your head. It really highlights your control while keeping the energy going. I tend to save the really slow music for candle since whipping the candles around isn't very safe or realistic! .w.:

I like that piece on Dancer's Paradise from Raja. It has a little of everything for a routine.

Originally Posted by jaded

I actually prefer to find music with both slow and fast parts for sword. The audience, even an audience of other dancers, is often surprised when you do some quick isolations and shimmies with the sword balanced on your head. It really highlights your control while keeping the energy going. I tend to save the really slow music for candle since whipping the candles around isn't very safe or realistic! .w.:

True. I sometimes keep the sword on my head during the transition from the slow section into the next section, which could be a drum solo or a faster piece. I think it looks cool to do some faster stuff with the sword on.

Delilah has some nice pieces on her Rumi CD, very fusion and dramatic!