Saturday, September 19th
11:30am-12pm Check-in
12-2:00pm 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.
2-2:30pm Break (snacks provided)
2:30-4:30pm Arab Drum Class
This course focuses on the Arabic Tabla (however, Students may bring their Arabic Tabla, Dumbek, Darabuka, Riqq, Duff, Muzhar or Frame drum). Students will concentrate on technique, rhythmic vocabulary and the essential stylistic approach to Arabic rhythm. Karim will teach three dynamic rhythms, emphasizing the Arab technique of double off-hand taks and running method. Students will learn how these rhythms propel specific dance styles from around the Arab world. Karim engages all levels from advanced beginner (someone with basic skills) to advanced intermediate. Every level will be adequately challenged and will benefit from the ensemble approach.
---MASMUDI (Classic Egyptian Style) is used in both folkloric and classical Egyptian music. Karim will teach both "Kabir" (big) and "Saghir" (small, a.k.a. "Baladi) with multiple Dum variations.
---MALFUF (Palestinian & Lebanese Style) is used for Dabka unisex line dance. Karim will teach the tight and loose versions with multiple Dum accents.
---MAGHREBI (Moroccan 6/8 to 2/4 transition) is a generic term for Moroccan & North African rhythms. Karim will teach Shaabi 6/8, and it's transition to Rai-Karachi 2/4.
Saturday Night:
Turbo Hips Show and Dance Party
Doors open 7:30pm and showcase starts at 8pm! Open floor dancing to follow until 10:30pm. Admittance will include raffle ticket for prizes, Dancer Showcase and Turbo Dance party led by DJ Turbo Tabla!
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Sunday, September 20th
11:30-12pm Check-in
12-2:00pm Dabke (Arabic Line Dancing)
Literally meaning "Stomp" in Arabic, Dabke (also spelled Dabka, Dubki, Dabkeh, plural Dabkaat) is a group dance found in the Eastern Arab countries. Performed mostly as a unisex line dance, Dabke is avidly done at the weddings and parties of Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian and Palestinian communities. A version can also be found in Iraq, known as Chobie. The movements include rhythmic stomping, kicking, sidewards walking, hoping and jumping. In social settings the dancers hold hands and form long moving lines or wide rotating circles. There are also many stage performances and musical theater shows that feature Dabke dances. You may also find Dabke used as a form of non-violent social protest during war and conflicts. But it is primarily a proud and energetic group line dance enjoyed by all ages and both genders.
2-2:30pm Break (snacks provided)
2:30-4:00pm Sufi Ritual Dance
There are innumerable Muslims in the world who actively use movement, rhythm and chanting as an extension of prayer. Sufis (meaning "mystics" or also "those who wear wool", in Arabic) are Muslims who use artistic ritual to help reach a state of knowledge or trance. The goal is to have an active experience of God "Allah" or Peace "Salaam". The movements are primarily swaying, spinning, bobbing, turning and tossing. Sometimes the energy swells to a point of abandon and emotive release. The rhythm is essential in propelling the meditative motions. Drumming and Percussion are the main catalysts. The beat can also be given by rhythmic chanting. These chants can be as simple as repeating the name of God "Allah" or as complex as a hymn or sung poem. Regardless of religious affiliation, the Sufi ceremony can be done by any group using unified movement, and lead by a strong rhythm that accelerates until it reaches an ecstatic climax.
