MOVIE NIGHT : HISTORY of BELLY DANCE
7:30 - 10:00 pm Friday 4 November 2022
A two and a half hour movie and lecture about the history of Egyptian belly dance. An ideal introductory class for anyone wishing to know more about the roots of this popular dance form. From pharaonic times to Cairo's latest dancers, discover the performers that made this dance what it is today.
TECHNIQUE
Ghawazee and Golden Era Egyptian Sagat
Saturday, 5 November, 2022 4:00 - 6:00 pm
From the ghawazees described by Napoleon's 1798 expedition music specialists, to Egypt 's Golden Era Queen of Belly Dance - Badia Masabni - and her 1926 recording "Raqs Badia", learn the syncopation and patterns played by these historic masters. We will have sagat available to borrow for the class or to purchase.
GOLDEN ERA HAFLA
Saturday, 5 November, 2022 8:00 pm
A hafla themed on the Golden Era style of Egyptian dance. Music and performances inspired by Egypt's greatest from before, during and after World War II. Black and white "moving pictures" come to life.
TECHNIQUE
Golden Era Signature Moves
Sunday, 6 November, 2022 11:00 - 1:30 pm
The period before, during and after WW2 was a unique time in Cairo, when agents for the European powers converged on the city because of the Suez Canal. Night clubs catering to these foreigners and wealthy Egyptians were the place to be, and the dancers who mesmerized these audiences were savvy entertainers. The rest of the population caught a glimpse of their charms on the silver screen. They had a unique style that has since evaporated in the mists of time. But thanks to their early films it has not disappeared completely. From Badia Masabni, to Tahia Carioka, Samia Gamal, Nabawiya Mostafa, Naima Akef and a slew of lesser known performers, we will analyze their technique and what made them stars during Egypt's Golden Era.
Classic Era (1960-1980s) Signature Moves
Sunday 6 November, 2022 2:30 - 5:00 pm
From Nagwa Fouad and Sohair Zuki, through such greats as Fifi Abdou, Mona Said, Aizza Sherif, Shoo Shoo Amin and Nelly Fouad, to the controversial figures of Sahar Hamdi and in her early years Dina, we will look at them all and the signature moves that made each a force of nature. The charm of the era was that each dancer was unique with her own unique style. No cookie cutter or copycat performers here!
